The included factory letter confirms that this rifle was received in the warehouse and shipped on August 20, 1874, as part of order number 1859 as a rifle with a 24 inch barrel and set trigger. A second letter from the Cody Firearms Museum in 2009 notes that the factory records also confirm the round barrel. It has a German silver blade front sight, the standard two-line address and King's improvement marking on the top of the barrel, an adjustable sporting rear sight with two notch options (later style replacement), and single set trigger. The rifle has the desirable early First Model mortised dust cover guide rails, a dust cover with attached oval thumb rest, and two screws on the action above the trigger. The stock and forearm are standard grade walnut and are fitted with a steel forend cap and buttplate with brass trapdoor. The early four digit serial number is marked on the lower tang behind the early thumb screw used to secure the lever, and the upper tang has the model designation in fancy script. The left side of the lower tang is marked with the assembly markings "A" and "16," and the upper tang inlet on the stock and toe of the buttplate on the inside are marked with the matching assembly number. There are no caliber markings since this rifle is in .44-40 and additional calibers were not introduced to the Model 1873 line for several more years. The document binder also contains consignor statements and research concerning the rifle's past. (We are reporting what is contained, but offer no opinion or guarantee!) They state the rifle was likely used by a Native American warrior during the Battle of Little Bighorn based on the serial number only slightly predating an identified Model 1873 (sn# 1958) that was displayed at the Rock Island Arsenal Museum. One document speculates that the gash on the right side of the forearm may have been from an arrow during the battle. The Cody Firearms Museum letter noted above also states the museum rifle was part of order 1855. The arsenal museum listed the rifle as having been used at the Battle of Little Bighorn and at the Reno-Benteen defense site based on battlefield analysis. Other documents state the rifle was purchased from "Old Bob Cochran" in Manhattan, Illinois, who had the rifle for 45 years in his hardware store. He could not be convinced to part ways with the rifle but said, "it killed Indians." The rifle was purchased after Cochran died from his son. The buyer then had the rifle for 55 years before now offering it at auction. Just eight Winchester Model 1873s are believed to have been used at the Battle of Little Bighorn based on forensic analysis of cartridge cases found at the site. Those cases were collected from identified Native American firing positions. Most of the repeaters carried by the warriors were Henrys, Winchester Model 1866, and Spencers. There are no historical records indicating any of the cavalrymen carried personally owned Winchesters, but a white scout and a black interpreter, both killed in the battle, are known to have had Henry rifles. Additional scouts may have had other repeaters, but the main body of the Americans were armed with Springfield Model 1873 Trapdoor carbines and rifles and Colt Single Action Army revolvers. Most of the slain cavalrymen's weapons were captured during the battle and were used for many years. Some were even used in later stages of the battle against the remaining cavalrymen during their last stands. Most Native American weapons are found in very rough condition from years of hard use and exposure to the elements on the frontier.

Fine. The rifle retains 70% plus of the bright original blue finish and has a blend of gray and brown patina on the balance. There are patches of light oxidation and faint pitting. The stock and forearm are also fine and retain strong original varnish. There is a cut on the right side of the forearm, as noted above, some additional chips and scrapes on the left side of the forearm, and various minor marks and scratches from use and storage. The action functions very well, and the markings and checkering on the thumb rest are crisp. This is a very desirable early First variation Winchester Model 1873 rifle with desirable raised thumbprint dust cover.