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LOT 1016
Rare, Desirable and Early Raised
Thumbprint Dust Cover, Hand Engraved Three-
Digit Serial Number 731 Winchester First Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle - Serial no. 731, 44
WCF cal., 24 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1874 as a first model with raised
thumbprint dust cover held in place by two integral guides. The accompanying factory letter (copy) lists
this desirable early production Model 1873 with a 24 inch round barrel when received in the warehouse
on April 4, 1874 and shipped on April 10. The rifle is equipped with a dovetail blade front sight and an
elevation adjustable rear sight CORRECTLY installed in the reverse position. The top of the barrel is stamped
with the two-line address/patent dates marking ahead of the rear sight. The rifle correctly lacks caliber
markings. The upper tang is marked “MODEL 1873.” The lower tang has the hand engraved three digit serial
number, a very seldom encountered feature seen on only the earliest 1st models. The forearm and straight grip
stock are uncheckered straight grain walnut. The buttstock is fitted with a trapdoor crescent buttplate. Includes a four piece cleaning rod.