This is a rare example of a Factory Engraved Winchester Deluxe, Model 1873 Lever Action rifle that was manufactured in 1890. The rifle has the Third Model receiver with integral dust cover rail and rounded top and dust cover with serrated finger guides on the edges. The 24 inch octagon barrel, full length magazine, dust cover and loading gate are blued. The forearm cap, receiver, hammer, lever and crescent buttplate are color case-hardened. The forearm and pistol grip stock are highly figured, fancy grain, walnut with Winchester "Style H" checkering and a piano finish. The pistol grip has an ebony insert. The barrel has a "Rocky Mountain" style front sight and buckhorn, sporting style rear sight. The receiver is fitted with a special order, single set-trigger. The forearm cap, side plates, top, bottom and sides of the receiver, upper receiver tang dust cover, cartridge elevator and buttplate heel are decorated with the equivalent of Winchester No. 10 engraving consisting of open scrollwork on a punch-dot background and double-line, scalloped, borders. A circular panel on the left side plate is engraved with a detailed game scene that depicts two white tail deer. The engraving was executed by John Ulrich. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped: "WINCHESTER"S REPEATING ARMS NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A./-KING'S IMPROVEMENT PATENTED MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16. 1860.-" in two lines ahead of the rear sight. The caliber, "32 W.C.F." is roll-stamped on the top barrel flat just in front of the receiver. "32 CAL" is roll-stamped in script of the bottom of the cartridge elevator. The upper tang is roll-stamped: "{ MODEL 1873}" in fancy letters with foliate devices at either end. The serial number, "377917" is stamped in small script letters across the lower tang behind the lever latch.

Fine. The rifle is completely original and retains nearly 60% of the original blue finish. The barrel and magazine have most of the blue finish with traces of blue-brown patina and some scattered age discoloration. The nitre blue finish on the loading gate has faded to a dark patina. The case colors on the forearm cap, receiver hammer, lever and buttplate have a mottled, silver-gray, patina. The engraving is deep and crisp. The receiver markings are sharp. The fancy grain walnut stock and forearm are both in very fine condition and retain at least 85% of the high polish piano finish. The checkering is sharp and shows minimal handling wear. The stock and forearm have a few scattered handling marks. This is a fine, original, example of a scarce Special Order, Deluxe Factory Engraved Winchester Third Model 1873 rifle.