Winchester 1873 Musket - First Model w/ Blank Upper Tang

[Thompson Marsh]

Recently came across a first model Winchester 1873 Musket with no markings on the upper or lower tang. There's no serial number on the lower tang (these tend to wear down over time, so that makes sense) - but on the upper tang, where you typically see "MODEL 1873", is blank. I've never seen a receiver with a blank upper tang. The raised dust cover rail, screw holes, and everything else lines up with other first model muskets I've seen. Maybe it's a reproduction, but I'm not aware of any first model reproductions - curious if anyone else has come across anything similar. I'll try to get some pictures up later.

Appreciate the help!

[Buck Stinson]

Several good photos would help.  If it does not have any markings on upper or lower tang, the markings have been removed.  Even in a lifetime of hard use, you couldn't completely wear tang markings off of a '73.

[Thompson Marsh]

Here's some pictures - you can see some sort of serial number where you would expect to see the Model 1873 stamp - clearly modern, which leads me to think it's a repro. But I haven't been able to track down anything that looks remotely similar.

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[Thompson Marsh]

Few more...

[Thompson Marsh]

Last set

[Buck Stinson]

It is a first model, or what's  left of one.  Looking at the areas where the stock and forend meet the metal, it is obvious that someone ground, filed, sanded and buffed the markings off of the tangs.  Too bad, cause you'll  never be able to find out what year it was shipped, without a serial number.

[Thompson Marsh]

It?s a shame - appreciate the help!