As a deluxe model, this Model 1873 is a highly sought after Winchester collectible that is becoming increasingly difficult to find in any condition. The factory letter states the rifle was received in the warehouse on September 23, 1884 and shipped the same day and confirms the half octagon barrel, checkered pistol grip stock, casehardened action, and length of stock of 14 1/2 inches. The listing of "plain trigger" in the letter is likely in error as the single set trigger on the rifle is original. Models fitted with a non-standard stock length like this example are a Winchester rarity. Noted Winchester expert and author Georg Madis noted, "Special stocks, varying from the standard in length or drop, would be custom made and fitted by the factory for the few customers who wanted them. The standard stock was made to fit and be correct in all ways for the majority of people, and very few customers found it necessary to order a special stock" ("The Winchester Book," page 602). The rifle is fitted with a blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight on a barrel marked with the two-line Winchester legend ahead of the rear sight and "44 CAL" at the breech. The receiver has the highly desirable casehardened finish and is a third model with an integral dust cover guide rail and a dust cover featuring serrated finger grip at the rear. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1873." The cartridge elevator is marked "44 CAL." The deluxe X walnut forearm and pistol grip stock have factory "H" style checkering. The buttstock has an ebony inlay in the pistol grip and a steel casehardened trapdoor crescent buttplate. The left side of the lower tang is marked "X 4856 E R." The assembly number "4856" is repeated on the buttplate.

Very good plus. The barrel and magazine tube retain 30% plus original blue finish with smooth brown patina on the balance. 60% original blue finish remains on the dust cover. 30% original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. The buttplate retains 95% original case colors. The receiver retains 30% original case colors. The forend cap retains 95% original case colors. Traces of original case colors remain on the hammer and lever. The wood is very fine with some minor handling marks and crisp checkering. The hammer does not release properly when the trigger is set, otherwise the action functions properly. A solid example of a Winchester deluxe Model 1873 rifle with unique specific stock configuration.