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. The dust cover construction is the primary difference between the various styles of Model 1873s. The rifle is equipped with a blade front sight and an elevation adjustable 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. The rifle has a set trigger. 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). The set trigger and 28 inch octagon barrel are special factory features. Any special features are rare on the already rare First Model 1873 rifle. The included factory letter confirms the rifle configuration, 28 inch octagon barrel and set rigger. The rifle was received in the warehouse on July 31, 1876 and shipped on August 2, 1876, order number 6482.

Very good. The rifle has a smooth mottled brown-gray patina with traces of original blue finish in the protected areas. The wood is good with some minor pressure dents and scratches. Mechanically fine.