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Weapons used by the US Navy - Winchester 1873

Posted: Tue May 03, 2016 1:10 am
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

Re: Weapons used by the US Navy - Winchester 1873

Posted: Sat May 07, 2016 7:22 pm
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.

Re: Weapons used by the US Navy - Winchester 1873

Posted: Sat May 07, 2016 10:06 pm
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!