Winchester's lever action rifles, especially the Model 1873, remain among the most iconic and collectible American firearms of all time. Rock Island Auction Company is privileged and proud to offer to the public this grand work of documented late 19th century Winchester artistry that is worthy of the most advanced public or private collection. The accompanying factory letter confirms the octagon barrel, set trigger, factory engraving (including the barrel engraving and inlay) at an extra cost of $24.00, and gold plating. The "extra cost" purchase price of the engraving a lone speaks volumes to the rifle’s special order status, as $1.00 per day was an average wage! The factory letter also states the rifle was received in the warehouse on May 19, 1879 and shipped the same day on order number 15433. Without exception, this factory Model 1873 masterpiece is fit for an international exhibition or a wealthy patron. The extensive embellishment, gold plated trim, and deluxe wood are reserved for only the finest of Winchester’s “highly finished arms.” This incredible rifle is unpublished and was only recently discovered. It is a stunning testament to Winchester craftsmanship in the decorative arts in the late 19th century. Without a doubt this Model 1873 will become an icon of Winchester collecting! The gold plated receiver is elaborately decorated with factory floral scrollwork and game scenes. Circular vignettes of a buffalo and moose are engraved on either side of the receiver at the front. Each side plate carries a relief engraved vignette of a majestic elk. Although this masterpiece lacks a signature, the engraving has all the opulence of being embellished by a member of renowned Ulrich family. Similar game scenes appear on lever actions signed by various Ulrichs as documented in R.L. Wilson’s “Winchester Engraving” and “The Book of Winchester Engraving.” These vignettes of large American game stand as a tribute to the legendary Model 1873 that brought firepower to the open frontier to earn the title “The Gun that Won the West.” The rifle has the look of a gun that is not hard to imagine in the hands of a flamboyant rancher or railroad tycoon forging his fortune out west. The dust cover, cartridge elevator, forend cap, magazine band, and buttplate tang are engraved to match. The breech and muzzle ends of the barrel are decorated with scrollwork and silver and gold inlaid bands, as noted in the factory letter. The barrel also has the two-line Winchester address/King’s patent dates legend on the top flat ahead of the rear sight and is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and elevation adjustable rear sight. The serial number is on the lower tang, and the upper tang has the standard model marking. The rifle correctly lacks a caliber designation. The receiver, dust over, forend cap, magazine band,, and buttplate are factory plated in gold. Buttplate is stamped "O" over "49" under the toe. The checkered forearm and straight grip stock are deluxe walnut. Buttstock could not be removed for inspection, however there is no doubt in writer's mind that it is the original. The buttstock is fitted with a trapdoor buttplate with the compartment containing a four piece cleaning rod.

Exceptionally fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain 70% original blue finish with smooth brown-gray patina and spotting on the balance. 90% plus original gold plated finish remains. 40% of the original nitre blue remain on the loading gate. 80% plus original case colors remain on the lever. 60% original case colors remain on the hammer. The engraving is crisp. The wood is fine with a number of minor dings and scratches and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically functions fine, although the set trigger is not working correctly. A grand work of the late 19th century that will be a welcomed addition to any Winchester or firearms art collection no matter how advanced.