Attractive Antique Special Order Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle with Highly Desirable Casehardened Finish and Factory Letter

Manufactured in 1889, this Winchester Model 1873 is a highly attractive special-order rifle with standout collector appeal, factory documentation, and a rare case-hardened receiver configuration. As an iconic “gun that won the West,” this Model 1873 represents one of the most desirable and historically significant lever-action rifles of the American frontier era.

• Authentic Winchester Model 1873 rifle, manufactured in 1889
• Classic Old West significance:
  • The Model 1873 earned legendary status as “the gun that won the West”
  • These rifles were widely carried across the American West and helped cement Winchester’s reputation as a premier frontier long gun
  • Especially desirable because many Model 1873 rifles shared calibers with Colt’s “Peacemaker” revolver, allowing users to carry one type of ammunition for both rifle and sidearm
• Factory-lettered special-order configuration:
  • Listed in .32 caliber
  • Octagon barrel
  • Plain trigger
  • Half magazine
  • Casehardened finish
  • Lyman sights
  • Received at the Winchester warehouse on July 5, 1889
  • Shipped on July 6, 1889
  • Shipped to order no. 23465
• Rare and desirable case-hardened receiver:
  • Special-ordered case-hardened finish gives the rifle exceptional visual appeal
  • Particularly notable because case-hardened receivers are far less commonly found on non-deluxe Model 1873 rifles
  • Strong collector feature that separates this rifle from more standard examples
• Third Model variation:
  • Integral dust cover guide
  • Dust cover with rear grip serrations
• Barrel markings and factory identifiers:
  • Top barrel flat has the standard two-line Winchester address and King’s patent marking
  • Caliber marking appears at the breech
  • Caliber marking is also repeated on the bottom of the cartridge lever
  • Model marking is located on the upper tang
  • Serial number is located on the lower tang
• Sighting equipment:
  • Lyman “Hunter” beaded blade front sight
  • Elevation-adjustable No. 24 notch rear sight
• Stock and furniture:
  • Very nicely figured smooth forearm
  • Straight grip stock
  • Crescent buttplate
• Collector appeal:
  • Factory letter confirms its desirable special-order features
  • 1889 production places it firmly in the late frontier period
  • Combination of .32 caliber, octagon barrel, half magazine, Lyman sights, and rare case-hardened receiver makes it especially appealing to Winchester and Old West collectors
  • A highly attractive, historically meaningful Model 1873 with both display presence and strong collectible significance