Question on pistol grip stock on 1873 Winchesters

[Will Sellit]

I cannot find when Winchester began offering the pistol grip stock on their 1873 rifles.
In the book "Winchester An American Legend" by R. L. Wilson he included on page 42 the information in the Winchester 1878 cataloque which appears that the pistol grip was offered only on the 1876 at that time.
Does anyone know where I might find information on when they began offering the pistol grip on their 1873's?

Thanks for your help.

[Books OToole]

Check The Winchester book by Madis.

or

The Winchester Handbook by; uh.. Madis 

[There is also a Pocket Guide to Winchesters by Madis.]


Books

[Will Sellit]

Thanks Books,

It appears Madis is the man for Winchester information.

i see on his web site they have books available that I should order.

Thanks again for your help and steering me in the Madis direction.

Will Sellit

[Books OToole]

Thanks Books,

It appears Madis is the man for Winchester information.

I have all three books that I mentioned.  I refer to the "Handbook" the most.


Books

[Fox Creek Kid]

For ultra researched details you need this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Winchester-Lever-Action-Repeating-Firearms/dp/book-citations/1882391055

No, I don't have it or I'd tell you the answer. 

[Pitspitr]

So Will, did you find out the answer, and if so what is it?

[Will Sellit]

Howdy Pitspitr,

I kinda got side tracked and have not bought the books that Books suggested. The earliest that I have found is 1883 so far, but some of the information i found said that pistol grip stocks could be special ordered but does not say how early.

I'm still looking as I get time.

Thanks for asking and hopefully I will have information soon.

[Wild Billy Potts]

I can't say for certain, but this is reportedly an honest to goodness factory letter certified example from RareWinchesters.com.  Winchester 1873 Antique Third Model Deluxe Short Rifle .44 WCF s/n 170642 mfg 1883 (letter says 1885)
http://www.rarewinchesters.com/gunroom/1873/M73-170642/details.shtml

Considering that the repros are of third pattern 1873s, this is about the time frame where one would need to be correct with an impression without correcting the rifle to look like a 1st or 2nd pattern. If that sorta thing is important to you.