There are 3 different calibers that could be marked on the barrel ahead of the receiver,32-20Win.(32WCF),38-40Win.(38WCF),and 44-40 Win.(44WCF).
Impossible to answer
was a 38-40 black powder
OK... and your questions is?
Your serial number indicates that your Winchester model 1873 rifle was made in the year 1889.That year ended with serial number 323,956.
Double check the serial numbers. No 1873 sn has a "b" at the end.
Go to this website: http://www.bbhc.org/firearms/records.cfm
Proofhouse.com
It would depend on the magazine length, (full or half) and what caliber the gun was chambered for.
Requires appraisal. Could be 1000 - 10000 USD or more
I can't get any serial number search on the 1873 to work if I put a letter in it. If the number is 336132, the gun was made in 1890.
The Winchester model 1873 rifle was chambered in 3 different calibers,plus at one time a .22cal rimfire.The 3 calibers are 32-20 Win(32WCF),38-40Win.(38WCF),and 44-40Win.(44WCF).If these markings do not appear on your rifle due to age and having been worn off,then a competent gunsmith will have to do a chamber casting to determine the correct caliber.If you are curious the serial number that you supplied indicates that your Winchester model 1873 was made in 1888.
Your Winchester model 1873 which was made in 1883,was a model 1873 third model which started at serial number 90,000.early model 1873,s were not marked for a caliber since they were chambered only for the 44-40 Winchester.I would say that your third model should be marked for caliber on the barrel just ahead of the receiver,and on the brass elevator.If there is any doubt I would have a good gunsmith take a chamber cast of the gun while determining if the rifle is in good enough condition to shoot.I would also look for the marking 44WCF on the places indicated.