Page 29 - 4094-BOOK2

Madis wrote, “Here is the exception to the rule. This One of One
Thousand rifle was ordered by Browning Brothers, of Ogden, Utah, in
1892. Because of their mutually profitable relationships, Winchester
always treated Browning Brothers with the greatest possible tact. Why
the Brownings or one of their customers wanted a model 73 after the
model 92, chambering the same cartridge, was available, is anyone’s
guess. Since the One-of-One Thousand was considered by many to
be a rifle capable of unbelievable accuracy, perhaps someone had
wanted one for many years and was finally able, in 1892, to buy the
rifle.” He added that the engraving is of the fashion engraved at the
factory in 1892 rather than the earlier style and noted the special
order features, including “While the cheekpiece stocks were offered
for all Winchesters, very few were ordered, and they are very rare.”
Wilson in “Winchester: The Golden Age of American Gunmaking and
the Winchester One of One Thousand” wrote that this rifle is “one of
the most exceptional and unusual of all 1 of 1000s...” and pointed to
the engraved “cartouche” that encloses the caliber marking. Lewis
noted, “This is a third Model 1873 and is an exceptional rifle with
many unique features documented in the Winchester warehouse
ledger. These include a half-octagon barrel, Swiss buttplate and
cheekpiece. It is also the only rifle chambered in .38 W.C.F.” As can
be clearly scene, these Winchester experts found a lot to get excited
about with this rare rifle!
The octagonal to round barrel has a silver band
inlaid at the muzzle followed by scroll engraving
surrounding the dovetailed blade front sight, the two-line
address and King’s improvement patent marking on top ahead of the
dovetailed sporting rear sight, “One of One Thousand” inscribed on
the top flat with a wavy line and dot border and scrollwork, a panel in
the scrollwork on the upper left flat left open for the “38 W.C.F.” caliber
designation which is surrounded by the same style of wavy line and
dot border, and an inlaid silver band at the breech. The casehardened
Third Model frame has “-MODEL. 1873.-” in script on the upper tang,
a tang mounted mid-range Vernier peep sight, “38 CAL.” inscribed
on the brass cartridge elevator, adjustable single set trigger, and
the serial number behind the latch. The deluxe walnut forearm and
pistol grip stock have “Style H” checkering, a casehardened forend
cap, contrasting grip inlay, a large Swiss style cheekpiece, and a nickel
plated brass Swiss buttplate. The rifle is also accompanied by a very
rare sight case marked “WINCHESTER/MID-RANGE/VERNIER/AND/
WIND GAUGE SIGHTS” in gold lettering with a fitted interior for the
installed peep sight along with the included wind gauge globe front
sight and additional mounting screws.
Identified by serial number in the book Winchester's New Model of 1873: A Tribute, Volume II by Gordon 27