The accompanying factory letter lists this rifle with an octagon barrel, plain trigger, nickel plating and factory engraving at an extra cost of $2.00 when received in the warehouse on March 13, 1886 and shipped on March 17. The receiver features an engraved floral scroll motif on a punch dot background and line borders. The left side plate is engraved with a stag scene inside a circular panel. Flourishes of scrollwork appear on the forend cap, buttplate tang, dust cover and cartridge elevator. A similar receiver engraving is pictured in R.L. Wilson's "Winchester Engraving" on page 190. The barrel is fitted with a Beach combination front sight and elevation adjustable rear sight and is stamped with the two-line address/patent dates marking and "44 WCF." "44 CAL" appears on the cartridge elevator, the model marking is on the upper tang, and the serial number is on the lower tang. The forearm and straight grip stock are nicely figured walnut, and the buttstock is fitted with a trapdoor buttplate (cleaning rod absent).

Very good. The barrel and magazine tube retain 95% of the period replated nickel with light flaking on the balance. The remaining surfaces retain traces of nickel in the protected areas with the balance a bright appearance mixed with some light pitting. The engraving is crisp. The reoiled wood is very good with a hairline stress crack near the forend cap and a deep divot on the buttstock, otherwise some minor handling/storage marks. Mechanically excellent. Documented factory engraved Winchester Model 1873s are very rare and seldom encountered!