Manufactured as a First Model with integral dust cover grooves on either side of the ejection port and dust cover with impressed checkered "thumbprint" grip area. Only around 31,000 of these First Models were manufactured, with special order examples like this one being even more rare. These early Model 1873 rifles were a workhorse of the American Frontier, and this example certainly shows the specific preferences of a discerning customer, who was willing to sacrifice some ammunition capacity for weight reduction, and without all the fancy frills of a rifle that prioritized form over function. This early production example correctly lacks caliber markings, as .44-40 W.C.F. was the only caliber offered until 1879. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line address and King's patent marking. 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 with the assembly number "722", which is repeated in the stock inlet and inside the toe of the buttplate. It is fitted with a beaded brass blade front sight, an elevation adjustable notch rear sight, and a special order "button" magazine. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent buttplate (cleaning rod not included). The included factory letter states the rifle was received in the warehouse on July 17, 1878, and shipped on August 28.

Fine, retains 50% plus of the original blue finish, faint traces of the original case colors, and 30% of the original nitre blue with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth brown patina and a few scattered, speckled patches of light oxidation. The wood is also fine with some scattered light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. If your collection is in need of an honest, fresh, special order Winchester First Model 1873, search no further!