This is an example of a First Model Winchester Model 1873 lever action rifle that was manufactured in 1879 with a casehardened receiver. This particular example has the grooved guides on either side of the receiver for the dust cover found on the First Model 1873's. The top barrel flat is marked with the two-line address/King's Improvement patent dates ahead of the rear sight. The upper tang is marked "MODEL. 1873" and the serial number is on the lower tang. The barrel is equipped with a dovetailed blade front and adjustable buckhorn rear sporting sights. The barrel and magazine tube were blue and the remaining parts are casehardened. Mounted with deluxe checkered fancy walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a steel forend cap, and crescent buttplate with compartment containing a 4 piece cleaning rod.

Very good as partially refinished (entire) with a smooth artificial brown patina on the barrel and a contrasting brown patina on the magazine tube, showing some minor pitting. Part of the barrel marking is faint, otherwise the markings are clear. Traces of the original vivid case colors remain on the receiver, (mainly in protected areas) with a smooth mottled gray/brown patina on the balance. Most of the original vivid case colors remain on the left side of the lever with a smooth brown patina on the balance. The hammer has a smooth brown patina and the buttplate has a smooth mottled gray patina. The refinished, recheckered wood is also very good with a minor 2 inch crack at the front of the forearm, a very small crack on the upper left rear of the forearm and a couple of very small minor cracks on the right side of the stock wrist at the receiver. The lever catch is missing. Overall there are some scattered minor dings and dents, and the checkering is very crisp. The action is fine.