Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout us
Log InCreate Account
Rock Island Auction CompanyRock Island Auction Company
Contact us
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
Locations
Bedford, TX
3600 Harwood RoadBedford, Texas 76021, USA
Rock Island, IL
7819 42nd Street WestRock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
Hours
Monday - Friday8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Navigation
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout usAccount
More Info
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyJob postings & CareersOrder a catalogContact
Social media
© 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.
Disconnected
Unable to connect to live update server, attempting reconnection. If this persists, please try refreshing your browser.
Disconnected state indicated by at top of page. If you cannot see this icon, you are connected.
Rock Island Auction Company
Hello.
Please Log In, or .

Home
Auctions
Consignment
Latest
FAQ
About us

  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 3044

Lot 3044:Special Order Winchester First Model 1873 Rifle

May 19th, 2024|Bedford, TX
  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 3044

Lot 3044:Special Order Winchester First Model 1873 Rifle

May 19th, 2024|Bedford, TX
Price Realized:
Login to viewLogin to view
Price obfuscated
Estimated Price$25,000 - $40,000
Log In to use Wishlists
Share

Highly Desirable Documented Antique Special Order Winchester First Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle with Extra Length Barrel and Factory Letter

Manufactured in 1876, this is an exceptional example of a special order Winchester First Model 1873 rifle. The included factory letter lists the rifle with a special order 28 inch octagon barrel and a set trigger when received at the warehouse on 26 February 1876 and shipped 3 September 1877 in order number 9689. This rifle certainly strikes the figure of one ordered by a discerning customer, whose priority was longer range accuracy without frills. The desirable First Model receiver has the integral dust cover guides on either side of the ejection port and the final form of First Model dust cover with the 5/8 inch finely checkered "impressed thumbprint" grip area. The 28 inch barrel on this example is a rare and desirable feature, with noted Winchester author George Madis noting that only one out of every 600 Model 1873 rifles was ordered with a longer than standard barrel. Along with the desirable extra length barrel, this rifle is also fitted with a set trigger, which Madis notes as ordered on one out of every 26 rifles. The top barrel flat is marked with the standard two-line Winchester address and King's patent marking, and the breech correctly lacks a caliber marking, as early in production .44 W.C.F. was the only caliber offered. The upper tang has the standard model, marking and the serial number is marked on the lower tang. The left side of the lower tang is marked with the special order assembly number "646", which is repeated in the stock inlet and on the inside of the toe of the buttplate. The left side of the lower tang and upper tang are additionally marked "7", the meaning of which is unknown, but it may correspond to the last digit of the serial number or the year of shipment. It is fitted with a German silver blade front sight, elevation adjustable sporting rear sight with correctly checkered edges, and a Winchester long range peep sight mounted on the upper tang. It is mounted with a straight grain, smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent buttplate containing a four-piece cleaning rod.

ConditionExceptionally fine, retains 85% plus of the original high polish blue finish, 75% of the vibrant case colors on the lever and hammer, and 95% of the bright nitre blue on the loading gate with some light edge wear, some scattered light handling marks, and a few scattered spots of very limited pinprick type surface pitting on the lever and hammer. The wood is very fine with a few scattered minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. This is an exceptional Winchester First Model 1873 rifle with sought after special order features that would make an excellent addition to your collection!
Details
ManufacturerWinchester
Model1873
TypeRifle
Serial number
ClassAntique
Caliber / Gauge44-40 WCF
Barrel28 inch octagon
Finishblue
Stockwalnut

Item LocationBedford, TX
Views1802
Catalog page43
Find MoreRelated Items
Lot 4Special Order Winchester Deluxe Second Model 1873 Rifle
View Lot
Lot 3049Special Order Nickel Plated Winchester Model 1873 Rifle
View Lot
Lot 1035Special Order First Model Winchester Model 1873 Rifle
View Lot
Lot 3046Antique Special Order Winchester Model 1873 Short Rifle
View Lot
Show More