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Winchester 1873 44/40 1st 1000 - original rifle - once in a lifetime
Guns International #: 102585459 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Winchester Rifles - Model 1873 - Winchester Rifles - Antique Lever
Seller's Information
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Seller: J Gary
Member Since: 1/9/24
First Name: J Gary
Last Name: DiLaura
State: New York
Zip: 14304
Country: United States
Phone: (716) 628-9003
Premium Seller
Number of Active Listings: 2
Total Number of Listings: 2
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Return only if other than advertised
Payment Types Accepted: bank check -personal check-funds MUST clear before gun released
Description:
A once in a lifetime opportunity! One of the first 1000, Model 1873s ever built, #717. This rifle is believed to be all original, except for the replacement dust cover by Doug Turnbull, the best in restoration of Winchester rifles. Mr. Turnbull says it all in the letter he provided after a thorough examination that is enclosed along with the Cody Museum certification of authenticity. I asked him to remove the side plates to verify the authenticity and his letter says it all. He replied that in his opinion none of the screws on the side plates had previously been removed. The rareness of this rifle is in the numbers. There were 126, 73s produced in 1873 and a total of 2,599 in 1874. This 1873 number 717 was “received at warehouse April 11, 1874”! There were over 700,000 produced, ending in 1923!
The wood is in excellent condition; no cracks or deep scratches on the stock. The fore-stock is marked with obvious “wire” marks but really no gouges. I’m told that cowboys used the fore-stock to push barbed wire fences down to step over. Whoever owned it took very good care of this 150 year old rifle that I wouldn’t hesitate to fire, with the proper load.
As Winchester 1873 enthusiasts know, when Henry came to Winchester, he and Winchester put together the 1866 and then the 1873. However, and fortunate for us, Winchester used the excess 1150, Mod 66 barrels on the first 1873s. A first built 1873 must have the 1866, 5-groove barrel …this rifle does. After the 1150 +/- the 73s were given 4-groove barrels. The rear sight of the 66s had to be installed backwards to fit…this one is.
This provenance is as strong as you will see unless you buy a 150 year old gun from the original owner! You will not find many that are this nice, this original, and examined by Doug Turnbull!
Price: $69,500.00
Antique: Yes
Rifle Caliber: .44-40 Winchester
Manufacturer: Winchester
Model: 1873
Serial Number: 717
Barrel Length: 24 Incn
Condition: original
Metal Condition: excellent-no rust
Wood Condition: see photos