Offered here is a rarity in antique Winchester collecting: an early, three digit serial number 194 Winchester Model 1873 lever action saddle ring carbine. In his book "Winchester's New Model of 1873," James Gordon reprinted the first pages from the original Winchester factory serial number ledger. The ledger identifies this Model 1873 as a carbine with a 20 inch barrel that was received in the warehouse on January 17, 1874, and shipped on March 23, 1874, order number 1151 (see Vol 1, page 51). It was part of a shipment of 11 carbines. Gordon identified six First Model, First Variation Model 1873 Carbines (serial number under 350) in his survey of 3,847 Model 1873s (see Vol II, pages 350-352). Although this carbine is not pictured in the study, carbine serial number 189 is among four First Model, First Variation Model 1873 carbines pictured. Serial number 189 was part of the 11 carbine shipment that included this carbine. The carbine has the distinctive early production features that include the integral dust cover guide, dust cover featuring a raised thumbprint oval, threaded magazine cap, upper barrel band with integral front sight blade, carbine buttplate with iron trap (cleaning rod not included) and the two-line model/serial number designation factory engraved on the lower tang. The folding ladder rear sight is a replacement. The top of the barrel has the two-line address/King's improvement patent marking behind the barrel band. A staple mounted saddle ring is attached to the left side of the receiver.

Fair. The carbine has a mixture of mottled brown and gray patinas. A pin replaces a side plate screw. The cracked forearm is reinforced with copper wire and has a smoothed out deep divot at the rear. The buttstock has hairline stress cracks near both tangs and a series of gouges on the underside. The action does not function. A highly desirable three digit Winchester Model 1873 saddle ring carbine that shows the wear and tear of being used in the Old West! Do not miss this opportunity to acquire an early production variation of one of the most iconic firearms in American history! First Model First Variation Winchester Model 1873 carbines rarely come up for sale in today's market. This is a "Holy Grail" variation of Winchester Model 1873s, second only to the One of One Thousand!