What a relic!!!

[scott19677]

http://news.yahoo.com/archaeologists-1882-rifle-leaning-against-nevada-desert-tree-230226150.html

[Spurshot]

The author couldn't seem to keep the model number straight. 1873 or "model 73" is the correct identification. Just a guess, but I'd bet the thing is loaded. It could have been there over a hundred years or just a few decades. They are pretty popular and were made until 1923 with nearly 3/4 million of them made. I have one in my safe.

 

Jimmy Stewart starred in the 1950 movie "Winchester 73" where the gun was the center of the story. It was also the name of a TV remake of the same movie in the late 60s.

 

[BlackZ71Silverado]

I wonder how long that rifle was really out in the elements under that tree. It definitely was not there for too long, the stock would be rotted away. At some point, somebody placed it there for whatever reason.

Good find though, hope it gets restored.

[ATMINF]

In the high desert it is possible to have been out there for a very long time.