Manufactured in 1903. This high condition Model 1873 musket is a third model with the dust cover guide integral to the receiver and a dust over with rear serrations. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line address/patent date information ahead of the rear sight and "44 W.C.F" at the breech. The bottom of the brass cartridge elevator is marked "44 CAL." The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1873" flanked by decorative foliate, and the serial number is on the lower tang behind the lever latch. It is fitted with the correct inverted "V" front sight and the folding military tangent rear sight graduated to 800 yards. Mounted on a smooth full length forearm and straight grip stock. The stock is fitted with a carbine style buttplate with trapdoor. The forearm is secured by three barrel bands, and there is a sling swivel on the middle band. A second sling swivel is mounted on the underside of the buttstock. Comes with a five piece cleaning rod and socket bayonet.

Excellent, retaining 98% original blue finish showing some high edge wear on the barrel bands and very limited minor scattered dark spots of pitting on the forward lower receiver. Nearly all of the vibrant original nitre blue remains on the loading gate, and 98% original case colors remain on the hammer, lever and buttplate. The wood is very fine showing some chipping along the grain near the stock toe and some scattered minor dings. Mechanically excellent. The bayonet has mostly a bright appearance. A high condition Model 1873 musket perfect for your growing Winchester collection!