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LOT 17
Outstanding Antique Winchester First Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle in .44-40
W.C.F - Serial no. 23974, 44-40 WCF cal., 24 inch octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut stock.
Manufactured in 1876, the centennial year of the United States, this is an outstanding
example of Winchester Model 1873 rifle with the “first model” receiver type. According to
Madis’ approximations, only 31,000 of these “first model “ 1873s were produced across four
fairly distinct types of dust cover, with all featuring the recognizable dust cover guides on
top of the receiver on either side of the cartridge elevator mortise. The Winchester Model
1873, much like its Model 1866 predecessor, is often cited among the “guns that won the
West” and have become one of the iconic firearms of the American frontier. These early
production first model ‘73s in particular are known for having made their way west in
large numbers, where they almost universally saw hard use in the harsh and unforgiving
environment of the “Wild West”. Because of this, very few examples of early Model
1873s are left available, particularly in high condition like this specific rifle, making them
extremely desirable on the collectors market. The “first model” receiver on this example has
the distinct dust cover guides on either side of the top of the receiver and the last variation
of the “first model” dust cover with has the impressed oval of checkering for a grip area on
top. The top of the barrel is marked with the standard two-line address and King’s patent
marking, and the rifle correctly lacks caliber markings, which didn’t begin to appear on .44-
40 chambered ‘73s until the 150,000 to 160,000 serial number range.
The upper tang has the model marking
and is factory drilled and tapped for a peep sight, with filler
screws in place. The serial number is marked on the rear of the lower
tang. It is fitted with a No. 21 German silver blade front sight and a later
production replacement, elevation adjustable, flat-topped notch rear sight. It is
mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent buttplate
containing a four-piece cleaning rod.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 85% of the original blue finish, thinned in some areas
showing a brown patina, 75% of the original case colors with the balance a grey patina, and 75%
of the original nitre blue on the loading gate. There are a few very small factory casting flaws on
the right sideplate and a few scattered minor scratches overall. The wood is also very fine with
some scattered minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. One would search a long time
to find a finer example of a Winchester First Model 1873 rifle!
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500
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