The included factory letter confirms the rifle configuration, heavy octagon barrel and set trigger. The set trigger and heavy barrel are special factory features. Any special features are rare on the already rare First Model 1873 Rifle. The letter also states that the rifle was received in the warehouse on December 31, 1875 and shipped on January 4, 1876 along with 5 other rifles with the same specifications to the same order number. This desirable First Model 1873 Rifle has 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. German silver blade front sight and elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight. The top barrel flat is stamped "WINCHESTERS-REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CT./KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16.1860." ahead of the rear sight. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1873" and the lower tang is marked with the serial number. The rifle is correctly without caliber markings. Blue finish with casehardened hammer and lever. Mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a steel forend cap and crescent buttplate. The buttplate has a compartment (cleaning rod not included). According to Winchester expert and author George Madis, "Only one of each 1100 rifles were fitted with barrels heavier than standard." Madis concluded, "Heavier than standard weight barrels were likewise made in very limited quantities, and are rare."

Good as partially refinished. The rifle retains traces of original blue finish in the protected areas with a smooth brown-gray patina on the balance. The refinished wood is good with a putty filled repair on the forearm and a few minor handling marks. Mechanically fine.