This special order factory engraved Winchester deluxe Model 1873 rifle was manufactured in 1882. This Third Model 1873 Rifle has the characteristic integral dust cover rail and dust cover with serrated rear edges. The rifle is accompanied by a Winchester Factory Letter that states this rifle serial number 135557 was received in the warehouse October 29, 1883 and shipped from the Winchester warehouse on October 30, 1883, in order number 7967 and lists it with an octagon barrel plain trigger, checkered stock with pistol grip and engraved gold plated receiver, etc. The rifle has a full octagon barrel, and full length magazine. The barrel has a dovetailed fixed front sight with nickel silver blade and a sporting style rear sight. The crescent buttplate has a sliding brass trapdoor. The barrel and magazine tube are blued, the frame, forearm cap and buttplate are gold plated, and the hammer and loading lever are silver plated. The frame, forearm cap and buttplate are factory engraved with Germanic scrollwork on a punch-dot background. The right side plate is engraved with an elk in a woodland setting with circular border. The left side plate features an oval panel engraved with a hunting scene that depicts a hunter shooting an elk. The engraving covers the top of the receiver, the dust cover rail, dust cover, the bottom of the frame and bottom of the cartridge elevator. The engraved scrollwork covers the sides of the forearm cap and the top of the buttplate. The engraving appears to be the work of Master Engraver Conrad Ulrich. The stock and the forearm are highly figured fancy walnut with a high polish varnish finish. The forearm has a finely checkered panel, and the stock has a checkered pistol grip. The pistol grip has an ebony inlay. The upper tang is roll stamped "MODEL 1873." with roll-stamped scroll work at either end of the model designation. The serial number "135557" is stamped horizontally on the lower tang behind the loading lever latch.

Fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain 60% plus original blue finish. The frame, forearm cap and buttplate retain traces of the original gold-plated finish in protected areas with some. The balance of the metal surfaces has aged to a deep brown patina. There is some minor pitting on the buttplate and some scattered mild surface rust. The silver-plated hammer and loading lever have aged to an even silver-gray patina. The wood is very good with fine forearm checking, sharp pistol grip checkering, some scattered minor handling marks and 70% plus of the finish remaining. Although this rare deluxe Model 1873 rifle shows age and moderate handling wear, it is unquestionably in original condition. This is a very handsome example of the finest Winchester 19th century craftsmanship that would be the centerpiece of many advanced Winchester collections. This exceptional Winchester Model 1873 has that truly original "out-of-the-attic" look.