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. First Models are found in the 1 to about 31,000 serial number range of the Model 1873. The rifle is equipped with a blade front sight and an 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. 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 is a special factory feature. Any special features are rare on the already rare First Model 1873 rifle, "The gun that won the West". The included factory letter confirms the rifle configuration, 26 inch octagon barrel and set trigger. The rifle was received in the warehouse on September 1, 1875 and shipped on the same day, order number 3936.

Very good. The rifle retains traces of original blue finish with a smooth gray patina on the balance. The wood is fine with a couple hairline cracks near the tangs and some minor handling marks. Mechanically fine.