I had an 1873 Winchester 44-40 carbine that was found chinked inside the walls of a log cabin. I’ve often what the story was behind hiding the rifle that way.
It was completely covered with slight pitting rust, wood was still in good shape, mud dauber wasps had filled the barrel with old mud. Once cleaned up it still worked and shot with the original springs.
Wish I still had it. The 1873 is still my favorite style of rifle.
I also had an 1873 38-40 rifle that was in real good shape. Had to sell it 40 years ago to keep from starving!
Now I have to settle with an 1873 Italian version in .357 mag.
I had an 1873 38-40 also that I bought when I was young.
It was in fair to good shape and a lot of years ago a guy made me an offer I couldn’t refuse cuz I needed the money, wish I still had it.