1873 Series 1, 2 & 3 question

[LondonArmoury]

Hi there can anyone help me with either the dates or serial numbers when the 1872 moved from series one to series 2 and the series three. I am trying to find what series a 73 with the Serial number 208XXX also does the letter after a serial number have a meaning
Thank You

GHS

[Cliff Fendley]

Hi there can anyone help me with either the dates or serial numbers when the 1872 moved from series one to series 2 and the series three. I am trying to find what series a 73 with the Serial number 208XXX also does the letter after a serial number have a meaning
Thank You

GHS

Don't know exact numbers but yours will be a 3rd model with that serial number. They stopped the second model much earlier than that. I have some of all three models and the dust covers and the screwed on rail is the quickest easy way to tell them apart.

[Tascosa Joe]

Your rifle was built in 1886.  According to the Madis book, all 73's over SN 90000 are 3d Model.

[Boone May]

In addition to what the other pards wrote, the letter suffix meaning is unknown but is not considered part of the serial number.  Either no suffix, A or B was used over the years.
Also, Winchester didn't waste parts so there is usually a transition from one series (or model type) from one to the next.  I hope that makes sense.  Enjoy your old Winchester, they are great guns.