Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNewsAbout Us
Create Account
Login
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNews & EventsAbout Us
Login
Create Account

History Lives Here

Rock Island Auction Company
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
RIAC Rock Island
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
RIAC Bedford
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
Navigation
  • Auctions
  • Consignment
  • Blog
  • FAQ
  • News
  • About Us
More Info
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Job Postings & Careers
  • Contact
  • Order a Catalog
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
  • Auction Catalog #72
  • Lot #17
Lot #16
Lot #18

Lot 17: J. Ulrich Signed Engraved Winchester Model 1873 Short Rifle

Documented John Ulrich Signed Factory Engraved Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 Lever Action Short Rifle with Factory Letter

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: December 1, 2017

Lot 17: J. Ulrich Signed Engraved Winchester Model 1873 Short Rifle

Documented John Ulrich Signed Factory Engraved Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 Lever Action Short Rifle with Factory Letter

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: December 1, 2017

Estimated Price: $12,000 - $18,000
Price Realized:
Login to view
Login to view

Documented John Ulrich Signed Factory Engraved Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 Lever Action Short Rifle with Factory Letter

Manufacturer: Winchester
Model: 1873
Type: Rifle
Gauge: 44 WCF
Barrel: 20 inch octagon
Finish: blue
Grip:
Stock: walnut
Item Views: 5015
Item Interest: Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 21
Class: Antique
Description:

Manufactured in 1891. The accompanying factory letter lists this short rifle with a 20 inch octagon barrel in .44 caliber, set trigger, fancy checkered stock, sporting leaf sight, sling swivels and factory engraved for the additional cost of $4.00 when it was received in the warehouse on April 25, 1891, and shipped on April 29. The serial number was applied for on March 23, 1891. Model 1873 rifles with special short barrels of 22-inches or less are rare. This example has the added rarity of being embellished and signed by Master Engraver John Ulrich. Ulrich signed the rifle on the lower tang: "J. ULRICH." The engraving consists of floral scrollwork on a punch dot background and scallop borders. The left side plate has a game animal scene engraved inside an oval panel. Engraved flourishes are featured on the forend cap, dust cover and buttplate tang. The barrel has dovetailed blade front and elevation adjustable rear sights and is marked with the two-line address/patent dates information on the top flat ahead of the rear sight and "44 WCF" on the upper left flat at the breech. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1873" flanked by floral flourishes. The factory sling swivels that are attached to the forend cap and underside of the buttstock are a rare feature on Model 1873s. The receiver has the third model integral dust cover rail and dust cover with serrated rear edges and a single set trigger. The nicely figured and checkered straight grip stock is fitted with a crescent buttplate featuring a trapdoor. The four-piece cleaning rod is included. The lower tang is marked "281 XX," the stock inlet is marked "281" (faint), and the buttplate is marked "SS."

Rating Definition:

Good as restored. The rifle has had the engraving professionally recut and has a smooth refinished brown patina overall. There is some very scattered minor pitting. The wood is good with a sizeable repair near the toe, a tiny chip missing from the forearm, some minor pressure dents and scratches and some wear in the recut checkering. Mechanically excellent. A documented Ulrich signed factory engraved Model 1873 short rifle that will work well in any Winchester lever action collection.



Customer Product Questions

There are currently no customer product questions on this lot

    Related Items

    Lot #1004: Antique Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle

    Lot #500: Antique Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action .32 WCF Rifle

    Lot #11: Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine

    Lot #534: Antique Winchester Model 1885 Low Wall Rifle in .32 Short

    Lot #1008: Winchester Model 90 Slide Action Rifle in .22 Short

    Lot #1043: Winchester Model 92 Lever Action Rifle