OC - FINE- all original parts; over 30% original finish, sharp lettering, numerals and design on metal and wood; minor marks in wood.

PRF - PROFESSIONALLY REFINISHED OR RESTORED

Manufactured in the second year of production, 1874. This First Model 1873 Winchester Saddle Ring Carbine features the distinctive and original checkered thumb print dust cover held in place by grooved guides on either side of the top of the receiver. Other proper and rarely observed first model features which can be observed on this carbine include the smaller script serial number on the lower tang "1794", integrated barrel band front sight, and proper early model designation on the upper tang. As George Madis observed in his seminal book "The Winchester Book" page 162; "a count of the first 38,400 models 73 produced, gives us these figures upon which to judge the comparative rarity of carbines, rifles and muskets. Rifles produced 21,900; carbines 15,600; muskets 900." This rarely encountered 1st Model SRC offers collectors the opportunity to own one of the rarest 1873 specimens at an appealing price point.