This is a fine example of a special order Winchester Model 1873 lever action rifle that was manufactured in 1883 with a casehardened receiver. Though the Model 1873 was often viewed as working gun, there were some discerning customers, particularly on the Western Frontier, who ordered firearms to their exact specifications, regardless of the extra cost. This particular example is a Second Model with the dust cover rail secured by screws to the top of the receiver. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line address/King's Improvement patent dates ahead of the rear sight, "38 -CAL" at the breech and "38 CAL." on the bottom of the brass cartridge elevator. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1873" (partially covered by the tang mounted peep sight), and the serial number is marked on the lower tang. The barrel is equipped with a blade front and adjustable buckhorn rear sporting sights. It is also equipped with a rare, original and desirable 62-B peep tang sight marked with "PAT. JUNE 14. 1881" (the same day Billy the Kid was shot by Pat Garrett). The barrel and magazine tube are blue and the remaining parts are casehardened. Mounted with fancy walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a steel shotgun buttplate. The accompanying factory letter verifies the caliber, round barrel, plain trigger, "Fancy" stock, (no mention of shotgun butt) peep and globe sights, casehardened, and that it was received in and shipped out of the warehouse to order number 6006 on August 4, 1883.

Fine. The barrel retains 60% plus of the original dull blue finish with some muzzle wear and areas of smooth brown patina. The magazine tube has a smooth brown patina. The receiver retains strong original faded case colors mixed with areas that have silvered out and smooth brown patina. The hammer also shows strong traces of original case colors mixed with a smooth mottled gray patina. The wood is also fine showing scattered minor scratches and dings. The markings remain crisp and clear. All typical of a gun ordered with exact specifications to be used, potentially in the American West. Mechanically excellent. This is a rare and attractive documented special order Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle that shows the intriguing combination of both special order features and the look of a gun that has stories to tell!