Manufactured in 1880, this is a very scarce example of a Winchester deluxe Second Model 1873 rifle with a special order full nickel plated finish. The Second Model receiver has the dust cover guide rail retained by two screws and the dust cover with gripping serrations at the rear. Renowned Winchester author, George Madis, states in "The Winchester Book" that only one of every 600 Model 1873s received a plated finish, either partial or full, and that only one of every 600 received special wood, making a rifle in this configuration incredibly scarce. The included factory letter lists the rifle with an octagon barrel, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, graduated peep and globe sights, and a full nickel finish when received at the warehouse on 27 March 1880 and shipped the same day in order number 19577. The top barrel flat is marked with the two-line address and King's patent markings, and the rifle correctly lacks caliber markings, as .44 W.C.F. was initially the only caliber offered for the Model 1873. The model designation is marked on the upper tang and the serial number is on the lower tang. The left side of the lower tang is marked "XX 671" and "671" is marked inside the buttplate. The stock does not appear to have a matching assembly number but it appears to be original. It is fitted with a period replacement German silver blade front sight and an elevation adjustable notch rear sight. The upper tang shows evidence of once having a peep sight mounted, with filler screws now in the factory tapped holes, and the stock inlet shows evidence of the peep sight mounting holes. It is mounted with an H-pattern checkered forearm and pistol grip stock with ebony grip insert and a trapdoor crescent buttplate (cleaning rod not included).

Fine, retains 50% of the original nickel finish with the balance having flaked to reveal mostly a smooth brown patina with a few scattered patches of light pitting. The wood is very good with some scattered light handling marks, a hairline crack visible in the left of the wrist, and mostly well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent. This is a rare opportunity to add a scarcely configured special order deluxe Winchester Model 1873 rifle to your collection!