Lot 7: Winchester 1873 Rifle 32-20 WCF

The included factory letter confirms that this rifle was received in the warehouse and shipped on November 14, 1889, with a .32 caliber octagon barrel, plain trigger, and half magazine. The rifle also has a dovetailed front sight base (blade absent), adjustable sporting rear sight, and standard Winchester markings. The stock and forearm are smooth, and the action is fitted with the Third Model dust cover with serrated tail and integral base. The .32-20 was the first small game cartridge introduced by Winchester and was considered suitable for game up to deer at reasonable ranges. It was added to the Model 1873 line in 1882 and remained less popular in the Model 1873 line than .44-40 and .38-40 making .32-20 rifles relatively rare and all special order .32 caliber rifles quite rare.

Fine. The rifle retains 30% of the original blue finish and has brown patina and some light spotting on the balance. The wood is very good and has scattered minor bruising and scratches. It is mechanically excellent and has clear markings.