Manufactured in 1876. This First Model 1873 Winchester Rifle features the distinctive dust cover held in place by grooved guides on either side of the top of the receiver, checkered oval finger grip on top of the dust cover and the lever latch with the visible screw threads. The top barrel flat is marked with the two line address/Kings Improvement patent dates ahead of the rear sight, the upper tang is marked "MODEL. 1873" and the serial number is marked on the lower tang. The rifle is correctly absent of caliber markings. Folding combination globe front and adjustable buck horn sporting rear sights, full length magazine tube, set trigger, blue finish with casehardened hammer, lever and buttplate. Mounted with a smooth walnut forearm with a steel forend cap and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate, with buttstock compartment, (cleaning rod not included). The accompanying factory letter verifies the rifle configuration, 28 inch octagon barrel, set trigger, that it was received in the warehouse on July 27, 1876 and shipped to order number 6483 on August 2, 1876.

Fine. The barrel and magazine tube have a smooth brown patina with strong original thin blue finish in protected areas. The receiver shows 30% original blue finish, some scattered minor pitting, several scratches, and gray and brown patina on the balance. The hammer, lever and buttplate have a smooth mottled gray patina. The wood is good with a long narrow dark streak on the right side of the stock, some shallow gouges on the left side and overall scattered minor dings and scratches. The markings are clear. The action is fine.