The Model 1873 is one of the most famous of all American firearms and has been popularly known as "the Gun that Won the West" due to its popularity with pioneers. It was often paired with a Colt Single Action Army or other revolver chambered for the popular .44-40 W.C.F. cartridges. This made carrying ammunition for both your rifle and your revolver simple and allowed an individual to be ready to defend themselves against man or beast in a variety of tough situations. Offered here is a high condition special order antique Model 1873. The factory letter states the rifle originally had a plain trigger and octagon barrel when received in the warehouse on December 13, 1883 but returned to the factory and changed to a rifle with round barrel, plain trigger, 1/2 magazine on March 15, 1884, and then returned to the warehouse and shipped on March 15, 1884, with nine others to the order number 11247. The rifle is fitted with a dovetail front sight and a buckhorn elevation adjustable rear sight. The half magazine is a special order feature. The third model receiver has an integral dust cover rail and dust cover with grip serrations at the rear. The rifle correctly lacks a caliber designation. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1873." The lower tang has the serial number. The forearm and straight grip stock are plain walnut. The buttstock is fitted with a trapdoor buttplate (cleaning rod not included).

Very fine, retaining 80% plus original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance. 70% original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. The hammer and lever retain 70% original case colors. The buttplate has a smooth brown patina. The wood is also very fine with some minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. A very attractive high condition special order Winchester Model 1873 rifle in desirable .44-40 WCF.