The Model 1873 became one of a handful of firearms that became synonymous with the American west due to their widespread use on the frontier and their ruggedness. This example was manufactured in 1883 as a Third Model with integral dust cover rail on top of the receiver and dust cover with gripping serrations at the rear and remains in exceptionally fine condition. As a "working gun," the Model 1873 saw hard service on the frontier, and those in high condition are difficult to find. The non-standard 28 inch barrel is stamped with the two-line Winchester address/King's paten legend ahead of the rear sight and "32 W.C.F." at the breech on the top flat. The rifle is fitted with globe front sight, an elevation adjustable rear sight, and a folding tang peep sight. The lower tang has the serial number. The receiver is fitted with a special order set trigger. No letter is available to confirm the special features, but writer believes these to be factory. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Exceptionally fine, retaining 85% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance. The loading gate retains 50% original nitre blue. 30% original case colors remain on the lever. 95% original case colors remain on the hammer. Slight patterns of original case colors remain on the buttplate. The wood is excellent showing a series of scratches on the underside of the forearm towards the cap, otherwise a few handling marks. Mechanically excellent. A highly attractive example of "The Gun that Won the West," the Winchester Model 1873 lever action rifle.