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LOT 3017
Outstanding Antique Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle in
Desirable .44-40 W.C.F. - Serial no. 380106B, 44 WCF cal., 24 inch octagon
bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1891, this is an incredible
example of “the gun that won the west”, Winchester’s Model 1873. These lever
action repeaters became one of the most prolific long guns in the American
West in part due to sharing many calibers with Colt’s iconic Single Action Army revolver
which was released the same year. Particularly when chambered in .44-40 W.C.F. these rifles and carbines
could be paired with a Colt “Frontier Six-Shooter”, allowing someone to source only one type of ammunition,
a type that was very readily available throughout the West. These two rugged and dependable firearms forged their
legacies in the midst of some of the most turbulent times of westward expansion, becoming synonymous with the frontier, and remaining American
icons to this day. These 1873s, particularly in standard configuration often saw hard use as working guns in the unforgiving environment of the West,
and are rarely found in high condition like this example. This particular rifle has the Third Model receiver with the integral dust cover guide and the
dust cover having grip serrations at the rear. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line address and King’s patent marking, as well as the caliber
marking at the breech. The caliber marking is repeated on the bottom of the cartridge elevator. The upper tang is marked with the model designation
and the serial number is on the lower tang. It is fitted with a German silver No. 21 “Sporting” blade front sight and an elevation adjustable No. 24
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: Excellent, retains 95% plus of the bright, original, high polish blue finish, 90% of the vibrant original case colors, and 90% of the bright
original nitre blue on the loading gate with some scattered light scratches and some light edge wear. The wood is also excellent with some scattered
light dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. These antique, high condition, standard configuration Model 1873s are very difficult to find due to
their typical use, don’t miss this opportunity!
Estimate: 18,000 - 27,500
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