Winchester's factory ledgers list these rare factory cutaway rifles as "skeleton" models. "The Winchester New Model of 1873: A Tribute" lists only eight known examples, and no more than a dozen are believed to have been made. This example, like four of the others known, has no serial number and is only marked with the assembly number 4207 on the left side of the lower tang. These cannot be confirmed by factory ledgers, but this example is very similar to the two confirmed examples that appear on the ledgers and are believed to have been used at the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia in 1876. Like a few of the other "skeleton" rifles, it is fully nickel plated. None of the known examples are exactly the same. On this example, the cartridge elevator and buttplate door are steel instead of brass. The design allows you to see the inside of the action, the chamber, magazine tube, and even the stock cavity. Though obviously unsafe to fire, the action remains fully functional. It has the standard address, patent, and model markings; German silver blade front sight; and an adjustable sporting rear sight. It has the Third Model style integral guide rail and dust cover with serrated rear indicating it was manufactured around or after 1882. Cutaway rifles were used by Winchester to promote their arms and educate potential buyers. They were used at exhibitions and would have also been used by company salesmen. This example may have been used at one of the World's Fair such as New Orleans in 1884 or Chicago in 1893.

Very fine. 95% plus of the original nickel plating remains. There is some brown patina on in a few areas where the finish is flaked and bright steel in other sections. The stock and forearm are both very fine. There is a notch out of the forearm on the lower left and some mild pressure marks and scratches scattered throughout. The oiled finish remains strong. The action functions fine, and the markings are crisp. This is only the 9th known example of this incredibly rare variation of the ever popular Winchester Model 1873 and is unique!