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EARLY WINCHESTER 1873 (73) 1ST MODEL RIFLE, 44-40 WIN CALIBER, SPECIAL ORDER 28” BARREL, ORIGINAL THUMBPRINT DUST COVER, SHIPPED 1876
Guns International #: 100918228 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Winchester Rifles - Model 1873 - Winchester Rifles - Antique Lever
Seller's Information
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Seller: victorio1sw
Member Since: 8/4/13
State: Texas
Country: United States
Fax:
Number of Active Listings: 4
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Bank Cashier’s Checks and Postal Money Orders.
Description:
**********SOLD**********
Description:
The bore in this rifle is excellent, with strong shiny lands and grooves, the best that I have seen on an early 1873. The bore was scrubbed completely clean with Colt 45 scrub pad slivers, as spiral-wrapped around a 44 caliber brass bristle brush. Bore grease was applied afterward, to preserve this nice bore.
The action functions crisply as it should, and the hammer safety notch is not broken. The brass elevator snaps up and down as intended. The internal steel lifter arm has not pounded a large raised dent (or hole) in the thin bottom of the elevator, as so often seen. The original mortised dust cover is intact, with the proper oval-checkered “thumb print”. The original screwed-in lever latch is also intact. The dust cover and lever latch are often gone on these early 1873’s, and decent replacement parts are not available. The frame is mostly a natural gray-brown, as shown in the pictures.
The serial number 13736 indicates manufactured in early 1876. The Winchester records at Cody, Wyoming state that this rifle was completed in late 1875, with a round 28” barrel, and shipped March 16, 1876.
All markings are strong, including the “Model 1873” on the upper tang and the serial number. Since all early Winchester 1873’s were in 44-40 caliber, the elevator bottom and rear of barrel are not so marked. The 28” barrel is boldly stamped with the Winchester two-line address. The assembly number 1617 are found on the left side of the lower tang and on the inside toe of the buttplate. The barrel is a smooth blue-gray, with no dents as commonly seen on early Winchesters. The magazine tube and buttplate are also free of any dents. The steel receiver does show some scraped places from prior use. All metal surfaces retain natural patina, and have never been cleaned.
The front and rear sights are original, and it should be mentioned that this (rare) rear sight type was used only on early rifles.
The wood stocks are generally even or proud to the adjacent metal surfaces, and have never been sanded. The butt stock has the expected random nicks and scrapes. The fore end was split across the bottom, and along one side, and someone applied glue to these areas. An old sales tag remains on the forearm.
Overall this is a much-better-than-average First Model Winchester M1873 Rifle, and priced to sell quickly. The Special Order Long Barrel is also a Plus.
Being made well prior to 1899, I can ship this rifle directly to the buyer. No FFL required, unless your State has exceeded normal Federal guidelines.
Terms:
No International sales. Not being sold as a shooter, but as a collector’s Winchester 1873. If you want to shoot any older gun, first take it to a competent gunsmith and have it checked out.
Three day inspection period, but please ask questions prior to buying (see additional notes on returns at bottom). I have many additional pictures that can be sent on request.
No Legitimate and Decent 1st Model Winchester 1873 is likely to be found again at this price!!
Please email with any questions. We can then set up a phone call for a more thorough discussion.
I accept Bank Cashier’s Checks and Postal Money Orders. No personal checks or Western Union MO’s. Payment must be received within seven days after sale date, and sent by Priority Mail with Tracking Number provided by buyer. Shipping by USPS Priority Registered Mail (11” x 6” x 52” box) with insurance $68.00 (and tracking number provided to buyer). Usually shipping occurs within 3 days after payment received.
Three (3) day Inspection and Return Policy: Only if returned Exactly as Received - Not Disassembled for Inspection, Not Tampered, Not Broken/Chipped/Scratched/Dented/Scuffed, or any Parts Switched. Any Original Documentation sent Must Be Returned with item.
SOLD
Antique: Yes