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LOT 3006
Exceptional Documented Special Order Factory Full Nickel Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter - Serial no. 243914B, 22
short cal., 24 inch octagon bbl., nickel finish, walnut stock. Known simply as “The Gun that Won the West,” the Winchester Model 1873 Rifle stands as an icon of American firepower on the open frontier that still resonates with modern collectors. High condition examples are always in demand, especially those with special order features such as this example. Offered here is an exceptionally fine, documented factory full nickel Winchester Model 1873 Rifle. The accompanying factory
letter confirms the round barrel in .22 caliber and plain trigger. The letter also confirms the rifle was received in the warehouse on August 25, 1887 and shipped on August 26, 1887. Although a return date is not listed, the letter lists a second shipping date of November 30, 1887 and it was at this time that the finish is noted as
“full nickel.” Winchester expert and author George Madis pointed out that “one of each 600 guns had plating; either full or part coverage.” Extra cost was one factor
that lead to limited qualities of Model 1873 with special order features. As listed in the Winchester 1875 catalog, optional finishes outside the standard highly polished bright blue such as gold, nickel or silver set the customer back an additional $5 to $100. These features were generally considered too costly and unnecessary for the average customer looking for a reliable “working man’s gun.” The rifle is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and an elevation buckhorn rear sight. The receiver is a third model with integral dust cover guide rail and dust cover with serrated finger grip rear edges. The top of the barrel has the two-line New Haven address/King’s Improvement patent dates legend ahead of the rear sight and “22 SHORT” at the breech. The caliber designation is repeated on the cartridge elevator: “22 CAL./SHORT.” The lower tang carries the serial number. The straight grip stock is fitted with a crescent buttplate.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 90% plus of the original factory nickel plating with a smooth gray patina on the balance. The wood is very fine with a number of dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. This factory full nickel small bore Winchester Model 1873 rifle is certainly a rarity in lever action collecting and will be a standout piece in any collection no matter how advanced.
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500
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