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Half-octagon barrels only accounted for around 1/900th of a percent of production per the listed estimates and only 136 of the surviving rifles Gordon surveyed, and most of those would have been longer barrels. Short magazines were also rare for 1873s with only an estimated 2,669 produced representing 1/270 of a percent of production.The engraving was executed by one of the master engravers of the famous Ulrich family. The $3.20 is a very unusual price. $2.00, $2.50, and $5.00 were essentially
the standard grades. The frame has the proper step for a .38 caliber Model 1874 and features
beautiful scroll engraving, a banner on the right side plate, a buck in a round panel scene on the left side
plate, the rare nickel plated finish, the
third model dust cover and guide rail,
casehardened hammer and
lever, blued single set trigger
and loading gate, “38 Cal” on the
elevator, “MODEL 1873” on the
upper tang which also has empty
taps from mounting a peep sight,
and the serial number behind
the lever latch on the lower tang.
The crescent rifle buttplate and
forend cap are also scroll engraved
and nickel plated. The barrel is
equipped with a dovetailed “Rocky
Mountain” blade front sight with
contrasting tip insert and an
adjustable sporting rear sight and is marked with the two-line address
and King’s improvement patent marking ahead of the rear sight and “38
W.C.F.” at the breech. The very scarce birdseye maple stock and forearm have attractive figure, checkering, and a contrasting ebony grip inlay. The stock compartment is empty.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine with 97% plus untouched original nickel plating, crisp engraving, 75% plus original blue finish, strong original case colors and niter blue on the small parts, and generally only light handling and storage related wear. The wood is very fine and has crisp checkering, attractive birdseye maple figure, smooth oiled finish, and some minor scratches and dings. Mechanically excellent. This is an incredible rifle. Its original owner clearly sought out something very special that fit their particular tastes and clearly took excellent care of it. This extraordinary Model 1873 is sure to add value, interest, rarity, and beauty to the most discriminating Winchester collection.
Estimate: 65,000 - 95,000
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