This is a fine example of a rare early Special Order, third model Winchester Model 1873 lever action rifle in the scarce 38 Cal (38-40 WCF) cartridge, as manufactured in late 1882. This rifle features special order feature shotgun butt. It has the integral dust cover rail and dust cover with serrated rear edges. It is fitted with the standard 24 inch round barrel with the half-nickel blade front sight with the elevation adjustable Winchester Buckhorn rear sight. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the two-line legend: "WINCHESTER'S REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A./-KING'S IMPROVEMENT PATENTED MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16. 1860-". The rear of the barrel is roll-marked "38-Cal." and the brass elevator is stamped "38 Cal.". The top tang is marked "WINCHESTER 1873" with the small foliage on each end. The lower tang is marked with serial number "95446 A" in script numerals. It is fitted varnished walnut forend with a oil finish, straight grip walnut stock with the smooth, flat steel buttplate.

Fine with 80% of the original blue finish with edge and high spot wear overall with some light thinning on the sides of the receiver with a thumb-print size spot of old peppery flaking/erosion on the right side directly below the rear sight. The hammer retains 75% of its case colors overall with the loading lever have faded to a brown patina. The forend is in very fine condition with 90% of its varnish finish remaining, while the buttstock is in good condition with 70% of its varnish finish with the rear 1/4 inch of the stock having lost all its finish and turned a dark black color from moisture/rust migration. The buttplate retains 40% of its blue finish with the balance a spotty brown patina. The rear end of the buttstock also shows two age/dry cracks that are approximately 1/2 inch long emanating from the edge of the stock.