Winchester Model 1873 .22 Short Rifle manufactured c.1920. This rifle, manufactured toward the end of Model 1873 rifle production after the model was declared "obsolete" around serial number 702,000, is the highest known serial number Model 1873 .22 rifle and is discussed on page 526 of "WINCHESTER NEW MODEL OF 1873, A TRIBUTE, VOL.II" by James Gordon. The rifle has a full-octagon barrel and Third Style receiver with integral dust cover rail and dust cover with serrated edges. The barrel has a dovetail mounted sporting style front sight with silver bead and a sporting style rear sight. The barrel, magazine, forearm cap and receiver are blue and the hammer, lever and crescent buttplate are color casehardened. The stock and forearm are straight grain black walnut with a varnish finish. The left barrel flat is roll-stamped with the two-line legend "WINCHESTER'S REPEATING ARMS.NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A./KING'S IMPROVEMENT PATENTED MARCH 29 1866. OCTOBER 16. 1860." ahead of the rear sight. The caliber designation "22 SHORT" is roll-stamped of the left barrel flat ahead of the receiver. Oval Winchester "W/P" proof marks are stamped on the top of the barrel and the receiver. ".22 CAL/SHORT" is stamped in script letters on the bottom of the brass cartridge elevator. The upper receiver tang is roll-stamped "MODEL 1873/-WINCHESTER-/TRADE MARK. REG. IN.US.PAT.OFF." in three lines. The serial number "719227B" is stamped on the lower tang between the lever latch and the tang screw.

Excellent plus. The rifle has minimal handling wear and shows only scattered and very minor storage marks. More than 95% of the original blue finish remains. The only significant wear in the blue finish on the barrel and receiver is some flaking on the left and right side of the receiver ahead of the side plate. The hammer, lever and crescent buttplate have nearly all of the color casehardened finish with vivid case colors. The forearm and stock are both excellent plus with virtually all of the original varnish; wear is limited to a few scattered and very minor storage marks. The barrel and receiver markings are crisp. This is an exceptional original example of a Model 1873 .22 Short Lever Action rifle that was manufactured by Winchester.