Manufactured in 1903. These muskets were manufactured primarily for the South American market and are rarely seen in this high end condition. The accompanying factory letter lists this gun in .44 caliber musket configuration when it was received in the warehouse on September 5, 1903 and shipped on September 18. The serial number was applied for on August 28, 1903. This musket is one of approximately 700 Model 1873 Muskets shipped from the Winchester factory to Nicaragua in September 1903. During the 1950s a few of these Model 1873 Muskets were discovered in the original Winchester factory crates in un-issued condition and were returned to the United States for resale. It has a distinctive fixed front sight base that serves as a lug for a socket bayonet, military style tangent rear sight, full length forearm with three barrel bands and carbine type buttplate with sliding brass trapdoor (five-piece cleaning rod included). The middle barrel band and buttstock are fitted with sling swivels. The top of the barrel has the two-line address/patent marking ahead of the rear sight and "44 W.C.F" at the breech. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1873" in fancy letters and flanked by foliate. The cartridge elevator is marked "44 CAL." Accompanied by an 18 1/2 inch bright triangular socket bayonet.

Excellent with 97% plus original blue finish with a hint of edge and high spot wear with some blue flaking off the sides of the barrel bands. The hammer, loading lever and buttplate are retain 98% vivid original case colors with only the heal and toe of the buttplate showing any wear. The wood is near excellent with all of the original oil finish and only lower rear side and underside of the buttstock having some minor handling marks. A really nice super high condition, high end collector grade Winchester Model 1873 Musket.