Check out this 'Indian' Win '73 ... this is has 'old west' all over it !

[Marshal Deadwood]

http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/admin/product_details.php?itemID=10575

I love this gun.
It just has a story dont ya think?

Marshal Deadwood

[Henry4440]

I think it were interesting to know the s/n of that Indian Rifle?

[Deadeye Don]

That is a very  nice looking 73.  Indian guns are very difficult to verify.  I have read they are one of the most commonly "faked" guns out there.  I am not sure how to verify the authenticity of that particular weapon.  However,  the asking price is probably not out of line even if it was not a real Indian owned firearm.  The tacks look very uniform,  perhaps too uniform.  I still would love to own it!!!  Thanks for sharing!  Safe shooting.  Deadeye.

[Delmonico]

The 32-20 came out in 1882 for what that is worth.  Tacks can be detirmeined as to when they were made.  As for Indian gun, with out positive documentation as to who, when and such, that and a dollar will get you a cup of coffee among knowledgable collectors. the unwary who want a deal are a different story, a sucker born every minute. 

BTW as for Indian gun, if that is all you want without historical back ground, let me know if you want Omaha or Lakota, I know a few folks who could help, ya want an SKS Indian gun, they would be willing to add tacks to them for a small extra fee, and yep, they would be "Indian Guns."

[St. George]

What with the caliber and the fact that it still has the sliding dust cover, buttplate, and one hell of a lot of fiinish - it looks more like someone had a dinged-up '73 and a bunch of tacks.

I'm surprised there isn't the tell-tale rawhide wrap at the wrist of the stock...

When pursuing and purchasing weapons purported to be 'Indian' - especially firearms - provenance is absolutely necessary, since they've faked those a long time ago and are still doing so today.

This is an example of why owning a solid reference library and knowing some seriously knowledgeable collectors in various fields comes in handy.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Henry4440]

When you want to see some 'real' Indian guns, take a look at the book 'Guns of the Western Indian War' by R.Stephen Dorsey.
There you can see a Nimschke-engraved Henry rifle S/N 54xx or a Indian Spencer s/n 19755.

[Marshal Deadwood]

The provience on the 'indianized' rifle should be easy enough for inquiring minds to research. One can contact the broker, im sure they would provide the SN#, then proceed to trace the linage of the rifle.
I think that would be better than either dismissing it or accepting it.
Personally, I thought it just had a 'kewlness factor.'
Im not into collecting antiques nor do I wish an 'indian gun' myself, that would be of no interest to me.
I enjoyed the photo for what it was,,,a indian 'look' rifle that had an 'air' of 'old west' to it. It very well may not be the case at all.
Perhaps its an indian gun from wayy back, perhaps an indian gun from post-1900. Or it may have been done by a white guy whiter than a Minnisota snowball in New Jersey. Either way, it just looked 'nice'  to me.

Tracing the linage on this gun might be a nifty project for you gentlemen. It would eliminate a lot of the 'guesses' I see posted on it.

Marshal Deadwood

[Delmonico]

The seller should provide that information to call it that, I could research it but would expect a sizable fee to do that kind of work, I have to many other projects to research with out taking on one for what is most likely a fake.

The $100 factory letter would be the first place to start.

[Marshal Deadwood]

I admit to being naive about the research. I had no idea that the 'pedigree' and stuff cost so much.
For 100 dollars ill keep guess !!
Thanks for ya'llls imput.

Sorry if my post seemed outta place,,,I concede it was just a 'neat lookin' rifle to me.

Marshal Deadwood

[St. George]

When a piece such as this surfaces - without the necessary provenance readily shown - a red flag should go up to any prospective buyer - as they did upon the posting of the link.

Appraisals aren't done for fun - they're done for a purpose.

They take time, effort and a thorough knowledge of the subject matter at hand, since an accurate appraisal adds to the value of the piece - and it's the appraiser's word that makes it so.

Scouts Out!

[Deadeye Don]

I admit to being naive about the research. I had no idea that the 'pedigree' and stuff cost so much.
For 100 dollars ill keep guess !!
Thanks for ya'llls imput.

Sorry if my post seemed outta place,,,I concede it was just a 'neat lookin' rifle to me.

Marshal Deadwood

I dont think you need to apologize for putting the picture up here.  I still think it is a great looking rifle and it likely has its own legitimate history behind it.  As I said before I would still love to own it.   My original posting commenting on the large number of fake "Indian owned" firearms was informational only for those individuals who might be lured to the website thinking this thing was real.    Assuming someone put the tacks in to sell it as a genuine Indian rifle by fraud,  I think they ruined a fine rifle that could have stood on its own merits.   Safe shooting.  Deadeye.