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LOT 1045
Documented Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle with Specific Stock Configuration and Factory Letter - Serial no. 129315, 44-40 WCF cal., 24
inch part octagon bbl., blue/casehardened
finish, walnut stock. As a deluxe model, this
Model 1873 is a highly sought after Winchester collectible that is becoming increasingly difficult to find in any condition. The factory letter states
the rifle was received in the warehouse on September 23, 1884 and shipped the same day
and confirms the half octagon barrel, checkered pistol grip stock, casehardened action, and length of stock of 14 1/2 inches. The listing of “plain trigger” in the letter is likely in error as the
single set trigger on the rifle is original. Models fitted with a non-standard stock length like this example are a
Winchester rarity. Noted Winchester expert and author Georg Madis noted, “Special stocks, varying from the standard in length or drop, would
be custom made and fitted by the factory for the few customers who wanted them. The standard stock was made to fit and be correct in all ways for the majority of
people, and very few customers found it necessary to order a special stock” (“The Winchester Book,” page 602). The rifle is fitted with a blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear
sight on a barrel marked with the two-line Winchester legend ahead of the rear sight and “44 CAL” at the breech. The receiver has the highly desirable casehardened finish and is a third
model with an integral dust cover guide rail and a dust cover featuring serrated finger grip at the rear. The upper tang is marked “MODEL 1873.” The cartridge elevator is marked “44 CAL.” The
deluxe X walnut forearm and pistol grip stock have factory “H” style checkering. The buttstock has an ebony inlay in the pistol grip and a steel casehardened trapdoor crescent buttplate. The
left side of the lower tang is marked “X 4856 E R.” The assembly number “4856” is repeated on the buttplate.
CONDITION: Very good plus. The barrel and magazine tube retain 30% plus original blue finish with smooth brown patina on the balance. 60% original blue finish remains on the dust cover. 30% original nitre blue
remains on the loading gate. The buttplate retains 95% original case colors. The receiver retains 30% original case colors. The forend cap retains 95% original case colors. Traces of original case colors remain on the hammer and lever. The wood is very fine with some minor handling marks and crisp checkering. The hammer does not release properly when the trigger is set, otherwise the action functions properly. A solid example of a Winchester deluxe Model 1873 rifle with unique specific stock configuration.
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000
LOT 1046
Antique Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle in .45-90 W.C.F. - Serial no. 93269, 45-90 WCF cal., 26 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Winchester Model 1886 rifles were highly valued on the
western frontier, not only for their firepower but also for their
rugged dependability. This example was manufactured in 1894
and is chambered in the powerful .45-90 W.C.F. cartridge which would have been capable of stopping any threat in the Wild West. Due to their nature as a working gun, these 1886s, especially in this
desirable large caliber, are often very hard to find in high condition like this example. It has the standard two-line address and “45-90 W.C.F.” on the top of the barrel at the breech. There are Winchester factory oval proofs on the barrel and receiver at the breech, indicating that the rifle was returned to the factory for work
sometime after 1905 (no factory letter available at the time of writing). The model designation is marked on the upper tang and
the two-line patent marking and serial number are on the lower tang. It is fitted with a beaded blade front sight and elevation adjustable notch rear sight. It is
mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 75% plus of the original blue finish and 60% of the vibrant original case colors with the balance having thinned to either a plum-brown or smooth grey patina, primarily on the bottom of the magazine, bottom of the receiver, and buttplate. The wood is also very fine with a few scattered minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500
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