Very Fine Antique Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle with Desirable Casehardened Receiver and Factory Letter

This is a very fine and rare example of a special ordered Winchester deluxe Model 1873 rifle, made even more desirable by its documented factory letter confirming a serial number applied on July 30, 1889. Chambered in .32 caliber, this rifle features an octagon barrel and plain trigger, paired with a finely checkered pistol grip stock, all finished in distinctive casehardened metalwork.

The factory letter, indicating receipt on October 15, 1889, and shipment on November 4, 1889 (order number 5000), adds important provenance and manufacturing context. According to Winchester historian George Madis, this rifle’s combination of special wood and checkering places it among exceptionally scarce variants—approximately one in every 600 Model 1873s had special wood, and only one in 700 featured checkering. While casehardened finishes are seen more often on deluxe rifles, they remain comparatively rare relative to the entire Model 1873 production.

The rifle sports a third model receiver with an integral dust cover guide and a dust cover that includes grip serrations at the rear and is finished in blue. Barrel markings include the two-line Winchester address and King’s patent dates on top, with the caliber marked at the breech and repeated on the bottom of the cartridge elevator. The upper tang is marked with the model designation, and the serial number is stamped on the lower tang, positioned perpendicular to its length.

Special features include the left side of the lower tang marked “2758 XXX,” repeated in the stock inlet, while the inside of the crescent buttplate remains unnumbered. The sights are noteworthy: a blued “Rocky Mountain” blade front sight with a platinum inlaid center line—likely a special order—an elevation adjustable No. 24 notch rear sight, and an additional likely special ordered combination peep sight mounted on the upper tang.

The rifle is beautifully mounted with a deluxe, finely figured H-pattern checkered forearm and pistol grip stock, which includes a striking ebony insert on the bottom of the grip, further enhancing its collectible appeal. This Model 1873 represents a superb example of Winchester craftsmanship and customization from the late 19th century, making it a prized piece for serious collectors of American firearms history.