The included factory letter lists this rifle as a "1 of 1000" with an octagon barrel, set trigger, XXX checkered stock, sporting leaf sight, and casehardened finish and indicates it was received in the warehouse on November 1, 1875, and shipped the same day in order 4517. A repair and return date of December 8, 1900, in order 82556 is also listed. The rifle is listed in the charts of One of One Thousand Model 1873s drawn from the factory ledgers shown in Gordon's "Winchester's New Model of 1873: A Tribute, Volume II" on page 375 and on page 24 of "The Story of the Winchester 1 of 1000 and 1 of 100 Rifles" by Lewis. When the rifle was returned to Winchester it was apparently rebarreled and now has a heavier octagon barrel without the "One of One Thousand" inscription at the breech. It would be interesting to know why the rifle was rebarreled. Perhaps the owner shot it so much that he wore out the rifling. Since being returned from the factory, it evidently saw little to no use given the high condition. The barrel has a dovetailed blade front sight, the standard two-line address and patent marking, a dovetailed sporting rear sight, and "44 W.C.F." at the breech. The "First Model" frame has the "thumb print" dust cover riding in guide grooves in the frame and is equipped with a tang peep sight with "3" marked on the underside and has "MODEL. 1873." marked under the peep sight, "44 CAL." on the elevator, a single set trigger, and the script serial number on the lower tang. The highly figured XXX walnut forearm and straight wrist stock are checkered.

Very fine as factory refurbished and re-barreled with 85% plus of the blue and casehardened finish remaining, minor wear mainly at the edges, and some minor pitting on the peep sight base. Aside from a chip on the front right top of the forearm, the wood is fine and displays stunning figure, crisp checkering, and mild scratches and dings. Mechanically excellent. This is certainly are rare and highly attractive Winchester Model 1873 and is documented as an original One of One Thousand!