Page 32 - 4094-BOOK3

LOT 3024
Rare and Historic Documented Special Order Factory Engraved and Inscribed Winchester Deluxe Model
1873 Lever Action Rifle with “W. H. Tucker, North Platte, Neb.” Inscription and Factory Letter - Serial
no. 138663, 32 cal., 24 1/4 inch octagon bbl., nickel/gold finish, deluxe walnut stock. This is an incredibly rare
special order factory engraved Winchester Model 1873. The included factory letter lists this rifle in .32 caliber
with an octagon barrel, set trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, $2.50 engraving, gilt trim, balance nickel, and
name engraved on the side plate. It was received in the warehouse on November 22, 1883, and shipped the
same day in order 8792. The barrel is equipped with a dovetailed front sight base with a bead style brass blade
and a dovetailed sporting rear sight and is marked with the two-line address and patent marking ahead of
the rear sight and the caliber designation “32- CAL” at the breech, and “32/CAL” is also marked on the cartridge
elevator. The action has the Third Model dust cover and integral guide rail and is equipped with an adjustable
single set trigger. The model marking with foliate accents is marked on the upper tang. The rifle is fitted with a
deluxe walnut forearm and pistol grip stock with checkering, contrasting inlay in the grip, and a rifle buttplate.
The forend cap, frame, elevator, and buttplate display classic Ulrich pattern scroll engraving and includes a dog’s
head on the right side plate, and the left side plate is inscribed “W.H. Tucker/North Platte,/Neb.” In “Winchester’s
New Model of 1873: A Tribute, Volume II,” James D. Gordon wrote that “personal inscriptions on Model 1873s
are quite rare, particularly when authenticated in the warehouse ledgers.” He further noted, “Sometimes, factory
inscriptions will be made on guns that are fully engraved, but that is not usually the case.” His survey found only
82 rifles with personal inscriptions, including 66 rifles. This rifle was not one of those included on his survey list.
This rifle was reportedly gifted by William “Buffalo Bill” Cody who also ordered serial number 121153 which was
factory engraved and inscribed “Presented by Buffalo Bill (W.F. Cody)/to/Robbie Campbell Adams/1883” and
shipped in 1883. That rifle was sold at auction by Rock Island Auction Company in September 2016.
30