This Winchester Model 1873 rifle was manufactured in 1884 and factory engraved. This rifle has the Third Model receiver with integral dust cover rail and dust cover with serrated edges. The rifle is accompanied by a letter from the Cody Firearms Museum that describes the features as: (1) "Type: Rifle," (2) "Barrel Type: Octagon", (3) "Barrel Length: 26 inches", (4) "Trigger: Set", (5) "Checkered Stock, Pistol Grip", (6) "Sights: Vernier & Wind Gage", (7) "1/2 Magazine" and (8) "Engraved 'AV' and engraving". The letter states this rifle was shipped from Winchester on November 24, 1884. The receiver is engraved with a vignette of a bull elk on the right side plate and the monogram "AV" on the left side plate. The side plates and sides of the receiver are decorated with Germanic scrollwork on a punch-dot background with detailed borders. The scrollwork extends to the top of the receiver, the dust cover, the underside of the receiver, cartridge elevator and buttplate heel. The bull elk in the vignette on the right side of the receiver is identical to the elk panel scene attributed to John Ulrich and illustrated on page 128 of "THE BOOK OF WINCHESTER ENGRAVING" by R.L. Wilson. The engraving approximates the "No. 9" engraving illustrated in "HIGHLY FINISHED WINCHESTER RIFLES" on page 219 of "THE BOOK OF WINCHESTER ENGRAVING". The rifle has a blued barrel and color casehardened forearm cap, receiver, dust cover, hammer, lever and crescent buttplate. The forearm and pistol grip stock are deluxe, fancy grade walnut with "Style H" checkering and a piano finish. The barrel has a globe front sight with interchangeable insert and a sporting style buckhorn rear sight. A mid-range vernier peep sight is mounted on the receiver tang. The rifle has a single set-trigger. The stock has a sliding brass butt trap. The bottom of the pistol grip has a bone or ebony inlay. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the two-line legend: "WINCHESTER'S- REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CT./KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16. 1860." ahead of the rear sight. The serial number "166700/A" is stamped in script numerals across the lower tang behind the lever latch.

Very good. The rifle retains small amounts of blue and color casehardened finish in protected areas with the balance mostly a smooth, dark, patina. The barrel legend is sharp. There are several shallow dents in the lower right edge of the barrel just ahead of the forearm cap. The forearm cap, receiver, buttplate and other casehardened components have a mottled silver-gray patina. There are a number of shallow dents in the lower tang behind the trigger. The engraving on the receiver, dust cover and buttplate is sharp. The stock and forearm show moderate handling wear and retain about 60% of the piano finish. The checkered panels show light-moderate handling wear. This is a fine example of a scarce, special order, Ulrich shop factory engraved Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 Lever Action rifle.