The Model 1873 is one of the most famous of all American firearms and has been popularly known as "the Gun that Won the West" due to its popularity with pioneers. This example was manufactured in 1874, the second year of the production, in a time when the American West was very much still wild. The rifle has the very desirable First Model dust cover with integral circular raised "thumb print" that rides in grooves mortised directly into the frame. These early dust covers are found in the 1-2500 serial number range. The lower tang has the hand engraved three digit serial number (730), a very seldom encountered feature seen only on the earliest First Models. It has an elevation adjustable rear sight correctly installed in the reverse position and is another rare First Model feature. Only about 31,000 First Models were manufactured. As a working gun of the frontier, First Models had a low survivability rate and those such as this example in high condition are rarely encountered. This First Model is well deserving of the finest collection. Of interest is this rifle's consecutively serialized mate no. 731 that was sold by RIAC in our December 2023 sale (see lot 1016). The accompanying factory letter states that no. 730 was received in the warehouse on April 24, 1874 and shipped on April 13, 1874 (dates likely flipped) with one other arm to order number 1259 and confirms the 24 inch round barrel. Besides the correct elevation adjustable rear sight in the reverse position, the rifle is equipped with a dovetail blade front sight. The barrel has the correct two-line Winchester address/King's patent dates marking ahead of the rear sight. The rifle correctly lacks caliber markings. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1873." The plain forearm and straight grip stock are walnut with very attractive grain pattern. The buttstock is fitted with a trapdoor crescent buttplate with the compartment holding a four piece cleaning rod.

Exceptionally fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain 90% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance. The receiver and dust cover retain 95% original blue finish showing some high edge wear. The forend cap retains 70% original blue finish. 60% original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. The hammer and lever retain 80% original case colors. Faded patterns of original case colors remain on the buttplate. The wood is excellent with a scuff near the upper tang, otherwise a few very scattered minor handling marks and retaining nearly all original oil finish. Mechanically excellent. A high condition, highly desirable early production, three digit serialized Winchester First Model 1873 rifle with raised thumbprint dust cover and reversed rear sight that would be a prized addition to any lever action collection. A must have for the serious Winchester collector!