Third Model manufactured in 1903. The musket has the distinctive 30 inch barrel with a full length forearm, three barrel bands, block front sight base that serves as a lug for a socket bayonet, military style folding leaf rear sight, and carbine buttplate. Sling swivels are mounted on the middle barrel band and the stock. The buttplate has a sliding brass trapdoor and the butt trap contains a five-piece steel cleaning rod. The top of the barrel is marked "WINCHESTER'S REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CT./KING'S IMPROVEMENT PATENTED MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16. 1860." ahead of the rear sight and "44 W.C.F" at the breech. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1873" in fancy letters and flanked by foliate, the serial number is on the lower tang and "44 CAL." is marked on the bottom of the brass cartridge elevator. Blue finish with casehardened hammer, lever and buttplate, and mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock with buttstock compartment containing a 5 piece cleaning rod. This musket is one of approximately 700 Model 1873 Muskets shipped from Winchester to Nicaragua in September 1903. Some of these muskets were apparently never uncrated. During the 1950s a few of these Model 1873 Muskets were discovered in the original crates in un-issued condition and were returned to the United States for resale. Accompanied by an 18 1/2 inch bright triangular socket bayonet.

Excellent. The musket retains 98% bright original blue finish with some wear on the muzzle end of the barrel from the bayonet, some edge wear on the left side receiver plate and some edge wear, minor scratches and flaking on the right side of the receiver. 99% original bright case colors remain on the lever, hammer and buttplate. The wood is very fine with some minor pressure dents, dings and scratches. The markings are sharp. The action is excellent. The bayonet is very fine remaining bright for the most part with some minor discoloration and some minor oxidation.