This is an attractive example of a rare, documented, special order factory nickel plated Third Model Winchester Model 1873 rifle manufactured in 1888. The accompanying factory letter verifies the rifle configuration, 38 caliber, round barrel, plain trigger, "X" stock, full nickel, that it was received in the warehouse on February 14, 1888, and shipped out to order number 4781 the next day. The top of the barrel ahead of the rear sight is marked with the two line address/King's Improvement patent date and "38 W.C.F." at the breech. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1873" flanked by foliate, the serial number is on the lower tang, and the bottom of the brass cartridge elevator is marked "38 CAL". The left side of the lower tang is marked "1611 X" indicating the extra fancy wood and the special order number. The number "1611" is also marked in the upper tang slot. Dovetailed blade front and adjustable buckhorn rear sights, all nickel finish and mounted with a smooth fancy walnut forearm with steel end cap and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate with compartment which contains 3 of 4 pieces of a cleaning rod. Model 1873 rifles with a full nickel plated finish and extra fancy stock and forearm are scarce. In "WINCHESTER NEW MODEL OF 1873", author James Gordon states that his survey of over 3,800 Winchester Model 1873s found only about 90 rifles with a full nickel plated finish.

Fine. The rifle retains 85% plus, once polished, original nickel finish with some wear on the muzzle end of the barrel and magazine tube and scattered minor pitting, concentrated mostly on the receiver and lever. The attractive wood has been freshened at some time with a coat of varnish and remains fine with a hairline crack visible on both sides of wrist, a couple of small filled repairs on the stock and overall a few scattered very small minor dings and dents. The markings are crisp and clear. The action is excellent. A very nice rare full factory nickel plated Model 1873 with extra fancy wood.