Weapons used by the US Navy - Winchester 1873

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Drwinchester
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Weapons used by the US Navy - Winchester 1873

Post by Drwinchester »

Hello, I have some questions about Navy historical information and thought you folks might be the group to contact. I acquired a Winchester 1873 antique rifle made in 1876. It's a nickle plated carbine that has USS 6 stampings on it with anchors. I was told it was used by the US Navy, but have not been able to find much information on it. Do you happen to know what the USS 6 stamping would mean? Or any other historical information about the Navy's use of the model 1873 Winchester? I am a history buff and love this type of historical information.

Thanks, Chase
OpanaPointer
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Joined: Wed Jul 06, 2011 1:00 pm

Re: Weapons used by the US Navy - Winchester 1873

Post by OpanaPointer »

You could ask Winchester:

275 Winchester Avenue
Morgan, UT 84050
800-333-3288
801-876-2711

I don't see any reason for that weapon to be issued to USN troops, considering that the standard issue weapons were so plentiful. But stranger things have happened.
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frontkampfer
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Location: Phillipsburg, NJ - USA

Re: Weapons used by the US Navy - Winchester 1873

Post by frontkampfer »

Could be a personal posession from a crew member. Going just from the type of gun and USS 6, it could have something to do with the Armored Cruiser USS California.

http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/OnlineL ... c/acr6.htm

Later renamed USS San Diego, was torpedoed off Fire Island, NY during WWI. Just a possibility. Good Luck!
"I will not have my ship shot out from under my ass!"
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