Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNewsAbout Us
Create Account
Login
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNews & EventsAbout Us
Login
Create Account

History Lives Here

Rock Island Auction Company
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
RIAC Rock Island
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
RIAC Bedford
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
Navigation
  • Auctions
  • Consignment
  • Blog
  • FAQ
  • News
  • About Us
More Info
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Job Postings & Careers
  • Contact
  • Order a Catalog
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
  • Auction Catalog #4091
  • Lot #26
Lot #25
Lot #27

Lot 26: Special Order Nickel Plated Winchester Model 1873 Carbine

Outstanding Documented Special Order Nickel Plated Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine with Factory Letter

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: May 17, 2024

Lot 26: Special Order Nickel Plated Winchester Model 1873 Carbine

Outstanding Documented Special Order Nickel Plated Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine with Factory Letter

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: May 17, 2024

Estimated Price: $45,000 - $65,000
Price Realized:
Login to view
Login to view

Outstanding Documented Special Order Nickel Plated Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine with Factory Letter

Manufacturer: Winchester
Model: 1873
Type: Rifle
Gauge: 44-40 WCF
Barrel: 20 inch round
Finish: nickel
Grip:
Stock: walnut
Item Views: 4067
Item Interest: Very Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 42
Class: Antique
Description:

The Model 1873 is the classic "Gun that Won the West" and was popular with the Texas Rangers and many others in the late 19th century. This stunning, full factory nickel, "third model" was manufactured in 1883 and has the integral dust cover guide rail, the front sight just behind the front barrel band, a"1873" marked notch and ladder rear sight, and a saddle ring mounted on the left side of the receiver. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped "WINCHESTER'S-REPEATING- ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CT./KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16. 1860." ahead of the rear sight. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1873." The serial number is stamped in script numerals on the lower tang between the loading lever latch and the tang screw. The carbine forearm and stock are nicely figured walnut with a trapdoor buttplate containing a three piece cleaning rod. This high condition carbine exhibits documented and highly desirable full factory nickel plating. As confirmed by the accompanying factory letter this carbine was received in the warehouse on August 31, 1883 and shipped the same day on order number 6150 with a nickel finish. Nickel plating was a flashy and more durable option for a frontier saddle gun, which resists corrosion better than blued finish. The nickel plating is a rare special order feature for a Model 1873 carbine, as Winchester expert and author George Madis pointed out, "Rifles in the 1873 model outnumber carbines by 20%, and only one of each 600 guns had plating." Based on numbers alone factory nickel plated Model 1873 carbines make for an extreme rarity in Winchester collecting, even rarer than their nickel plated rifle counterparts. Full nickel Model 1873s are difficult to find and when encountered these "working guns" are generally in rough shape. This fantastic example is worthy of the finest Winchester collection and will be a standout piece no mater how advanced the collection. Provenance: The Ray Bentley Collection; The Collection of David L. DeLullo

Rating Definition:

Excellent, retaining 95% plus original nickel finish with spots of dark oxidation visible on the top of the buttplate and magazine tube. The wood is also excellent with some scattered minor handling marks and retaining nearly all original finish. Mechanically excellent. A wonderful and rare factory full nickel Model 1873 carbine for the serious Winchester collector.



Customer Product Questions

There are currently no customer product questions on this lot

    Related Items

    Lot #11: Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine

    Lot #1038: Special Order Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Rifle

    Lot #1034: Winchester Model 92 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine

    Lot #527: Winchester Model 94 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine

    Lot #10: Winchester Model 1894 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine

    Lot #560: Special Order Winchester Model 1894 Lever Action Carbine