Manufactured in 1888, this is an extremely scarce, one of only four known, special ordered example of a Winchester Model 1873 chambered in .22 Extra Long. This rifle being possibly one of as few as four existent examples is not too surprising considering most Winchester 1873 related publications do not even mention the .22 Extra Long as an available or existent caliber for the model. This particular rifle is listed by serial number in one of the few publications that does mention the .22 Extra Long cartridge, that being "Winchester's New Model of 1873: A Tribute Vol. II" by James D. Gordon on p. 519. Gordon states that .22 Extra Long is "By far the rarest of the 22s..." and that it is not known to have ever been offered for the Model 1873 in any catalogue. The four rifles noted on that page as ordered in the scarce caliber are serial numbers 194605, 233249, 251279, and this specific example, serial number 275190. The included factory letter lists the rifle in .22 Extra Long caliber with a 26 inch octagon barrel, plain trigger, and Lyman front and rear sights when received at the warehouse 9 August 1888, and shipped on 11 August 1888 in order number 10567. This rifle has the Third Model receiver with the integral dust cover guide and dust cover with grip serrations at the rear. The top barrel flat has the standard two-line address and King's patent marking and scarce "22 EX. LONG" caliber marking at the breech. The caliber marking is repeated on the base of the cartridge elevator as "22 CAL./Ex.Long." The upper tang has the model marking, and the serial number is marked on the lower tang. It is fitted with a Lyman No. 17 globe front sight, a spirit level in the rear sight dovetail (fluid absent), and a Lyman mid-range Vernier peep sight mounted on the upper tang. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.