Originally Posted by BMur

The original Winchester 73’ in 44 WCF is listed as a folded head case until 1880 when the company is listed as first introducing the solid head case.
The photos depict the first Solid head cases from 1880-1884 when they started head stamping cases.
Therefore, those cases found at the little big horn sight would be folded head cases.
These early cases are literally impossible to find today. The few that remain are in collections and likely loose and unidentified since you’d have to cut the case to prove it’s folded.

Even non head stamped solid head cases are scarce today. Made for only 4 years! 1880-1884.


Murph