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Exceptionally Fine Antique Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle in .22 Long Caliber - Serial no. 353106B, 22 L cal., 24 inch octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1890, this is a high condition example of a
Winchester Model 1873 small bore
rifle. Winchester only manufactured
approximately 19,552 Model 1873s in .22 short or .22 long between 1884 and 1904. It is a third model with integral dust cover rail and dust
cover with serrations at the rear. The rifle is fitted with a dovetail blade front sight and an elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line
Winchester legend ahead of the rear sight and “22 LONG” at the breech. The cartridge elevator
is marked “22 CAL/LONG.” The upper tang is marked with the model designation and the serial number is on the
lower tang. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate. The Model 1873 is one of the most famous of all American firearms and has been popularly known as “the Gun that Won the West” due to its popularity with pioneers. Today the Model 1873 holds a special place for
modern collectors, especially those in high condition like this example. The Model 1873 was the first Winchester lever action to be chambered in .22 caliber. Rifles chambered in .22 long are scarcer than those in .22 short. As a “working man’s gun” these models are becoming difficult to find in high condition.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retaining 85% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance and some scattered evidence of being cleaned. 70% original case colors remain on the hammer and lever. Slight patterns of original case colors remain on the buttplate. The wood is very fine with minor dings and scratches and retaining most of the original varnish. Mechanically excellent. A highly attractive small bore Winchester Model 1873 rifle that would be a welcomed addition to any lever action collection.
Estimate: 9,500 - 14,000
barrel in .45-90 caliber and plain trigger. The rifle has the desirable early casehardened receiver found only on Model 1886 rifles manufactured prior to 1902. It is fitted with a dovetail blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear
sight. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line Winchester address and caliber designation. The upper tang is stamped “-MODEL 1886-,” and the lower tang
has the two-line patent dates marking and serial number. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock. The buttstock is fitted with a crescent buttplate.
CONDITION: Very fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain 60% plus original blue finish with smooth brown patina on the balance. The bolt retains 95% original blue finish. 40% original niter blue remains on the loading gate.
The frame retains 70% vivid original case colors. 40% original case colors remain on the forend cap, hammer, and lever. Slight patterns of original case colors remain on the buttplate with pitting at the toe. The wood is also very fine with a crack at the stock toe and some minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 7,000 - 10,000
LOT 7
LOT 8
Very Fine Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle in Desirable .45-90 W.C.F. with Factory Letter - Serial no. 109070, 45-90 WCF cal., 26 inch octagon bbl., blue/ casehardened finish, walnut stock. The accompanying factory letter (copy) states the rifle was received in the warehouse on May 7, 1896 and shipped on October 30, 1897 and confirms the octagon
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