# 40971002

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

$ 11999.99

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

Condition

Very fine, retains 60% plus of the original blue finish, 75% plus of the vibrant original case colors, and 50% of the original nitre blue on the loading gate with the balance a smooth grey patina and some scattered small patches of light pitting. The wood is also very fine with a protective coat of varnish and some scattered light dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. A very attractive example of a Winchester Model 1873 rifle in a rare special order configuration!