Lot 30: Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 Rifle with Factory Letter

The accompanying factory letter confirms the set trigger, checkered stock, casehardened frame, short magazine and octagon barrel. It was received in the warehouse on April 9, 1877 and shipped the same day. This Model 1873 is a first model with a dust cover held in place with grooved guides. The dust cover has a checkered oval finger grip. The barrel features dovetailed blade and elevation adjustable sights and is marked with the two-line address/patent date information. The lower tang is marked with the serial number. Mounted on highly figured and multi-point checkered forearm and straight grip stock. The stock is fitted with a crescent buttplate featuring a trapdoor (cleaning rod not included). The assembly number "267" is marked on the buttplate, stock and left tang. The left tang also has the "XXX" marking. The barrel and magazine are blue, and the remaining surfaces are casehardened.

Fine. The refinished barrel retains 70% of the blue finish thinning to a brown. The remaining metal surfaces retain 50% original case colors. The lower tang is cracked at the catch, and the right side plate is dented in rear of loading gate. There is some very scattered minor pitting. The wood is repaired and revarnished at the wrist, otherwise some minor pressure dents and scratches and crisp checkering overall. Mechanically excellent.