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LOT 25
Exceptionally Fine Special Order Casehardened Receiver Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter - Serial
no. 170637A, 44-40 WCF cal., 24 inch 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. These models were considered “working guns” and customers were not inclined
to spend additional money on extra features such as a deluxe walnut stock. This example is more even more desirable since it is in high condition. The accompanying
factory letter states the rifle was received in the warehouse on April 29, 1885 and shipped on May 2, 1886 with one other arm to order number 20386. The factory
letter confirms the octagon barrel, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, and casehardened receiver. The rifle is fitted with a dovetail blade front sight, an elevation
adjustable rear sight, and a folding tang peep sight. The top barrel flat is marked with the two-line Winchester legend ahead of the rear sight and the caliber designation
“44 CAL” at the breech. The caliber designation is repeated on the cartridge elevator. 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 deluxe XXX walnut forearm and pistol grip stock feature Winchester factory “H” style
checkering. The buttstock has an ebony inlay in the pistol grip and a steel casehardened trapdoor crescent buttplate (cleaning rod not included). The left side of the lower tang is
marked “215” and “XXX.” The assembly number “215” is repeated on the stock inlet and buttplate.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain 70% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance. 40% original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. The
receiver retains 75% original case colors. The forend cap, hammer, and lever retain 60% original case colors. Faint patterns of mostly silvered out original case colors remain on the buttplate.
The wood is fine with minor dings and scratches, most of the original varnish remaining, and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A very attractive casehardened receiver
Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 lever action rifle that will be a welcomed addition to any lever action collection.
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500
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