Excellent Special Order Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter
This exceptional Winchester Model 1873 rifle, shipped directly from the Winchester warehouse on May 14, 1884, stands as a prized collectible for enthusiasts of classic American firearms. Chambered in the sought-after .32 caliber, it features a 24-inch round barrel with a deep blue finish, complemented by a high-polish receiver, forearm cap, and integral dust cover—all showcasing excellent preservation and original luster. Its screw-fastened, button-tip half-magazine and third-style receiver with an integral dust cover rail highlight its distinctive period design, while the barrel proudly bears authentic roll-stamped patent dates and caliber markings reflecting its rich history. The rifle’s traditional sporting sights include a nickel silver blade front sight and a buckhorn rear sight with serrated edges, offering both function and authenticity. Fine details such as a factory drilled and tapped upper receiver tang, a fire blue loading gate, and beautifully case-hardened hammer, trigger, lever, and crescent buttplate enhance its visual appeal. Finished with straight-grain American walnut stock and forearm, varnished to a warm sheen, this Model 1873 exemplifies Winchester’s renowned craftsmanship and remains in remarkable original condition—an outstanding treasure for collectors seeking a piece steeped in heritage and investment potential.
Excellent. The rifle is all original and retains 97% of the blue and casehardened finish. The blue on the barrel, forearm cap, receiver and dust cover shows only a few scattered and very insignificant storage marks. The side plates show traces of finish wear on the edges and several shallow, hairline scratches. The loading gate retains nearly 95% of the fire blue finish. 85% of the case colors remain on the hammer, trigger and crescent buttplate remain. The bottom of the lever has traces of silvering. The markings on the barrel and receiver are extremely crisp. The stock and forearm are in the same near new condition as the other components; nearly all of the high polish varnish finish remains. Wear is limited to a few very minor storage and handling marks. Mechanically excellent. This is an exceptional documented special order Winchester Model 1873 sporting rifle.
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