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LOT 3014
Rare Documented Special Order Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Short Rifle with Factory Letter - Serial no. 382354B, 38 WCF cal., 20 inch octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Twenty inch barrel Model 1873 short rifles are a rare variation. Winchester expert and author George Madis noted that these short rifles “were most popular in the Southwest along the Mexican border and have usually seen long and hard use. They are often called ‘Border Models’ by collectors” (“The Winchester Book,” page 162). As a “working mans gun” the Model 1873 short rifle is difficult to find in any condition, and nearly impossible to find in excellent condition. The extremely high condition of this Model 1873 short rifle makes it a true rarity
in Winchester collecting and worthy of the finest collection. The accompanying factory letter confirms the 20 inch octagon barrel in .38 caliber and set trigger. The factory letter also states
the serial number was applied on April 8, 1891 and the rifle was
received in the warehouse on July 28, 1891, and shipped the same
day on order number 7896. The third model receiver is fitted with a set trigger, an upper tang marked “MODEL 1873”, and a lower tang marked with the serial number. The barrel is fitted with a dovetail blade front sight and an elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight and is stamped with the two-line Winchester New Haven address/King’s patent dates legend ahead of the rear sight and “.38 CAL.” at the breech. “38 CAL” is repeated on the brass cartridge elevator. Sling swivels
are mounted on the underside of the forend cap and buttstock (They are not mentioned in
the factory letter, though writer believes them to be correct). Mounted with nicely figured rifle forearm and straight grip stock. The stock is fitted with a trapdoor crescent buttplate. A four piece cleaning rod is included.
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