The accompanying Buffalo Bill Historical Center letter states that Winchester records lists this special order deluxe Model 1873 rifle with an octagon barrel, set trigger, casehardened receiver, checkered pistol grip stock, shotgun buttplate, half magazine, and factory engraved "CP" monogram when received in the warehouse on June 25, 1883 and shipped the same day. The rifle is pictured and identified in George Madis' "The Winchester Handbook" on page 29 and R.L. Wilson's "Winchester Engraving" on page 193. Both publications cited the factory engraved "CP" monogram on the left side plate. Wilson remarked, "Monograms by themselves were seldom encountered in the course of researching 'Winchester Engraving.'" Remarking on the rifle's rare special order configuration, Madis stated, "Occasionally we find a Winchester with nearly every special feature available." Madis also noted the rare and highly desirable Freund knife blade and open rear sights fitted on the barrel. Like many in the American firearms industry in the 18th and 19th centuries, the Freund brothers Frank W. and George were German immigrants. They had various temporary shop locations as they followed the Union Pacific westward and established more permanent shops in Denver, Colorado, and Cheyenne, Wyoming, where they regularly modified firearms, particularly Sharps rifles, to fit their customer's needs. In addition to mechanical alterations and creating new configurations, the Freunds also designed new sights. The front and rear barrel sights feature Freund patent markings. The tang peep sight is a special order Winchester 62-A sight. This is a third model with dust cover rail integral to the receiver, dust cover with serrations at the rear and single set trigger. The forearm and pistol grip stock are XX deluxe walnut and feature "H" style checkering. The buttstock features an ebony grip insert and a steel shotgun buttplate. The left side of the lower tang is stamped "XX 1029 S." The assembly number "1029" is also stamped on the stock inlet and buttplate. Includes 1983 dated correspondence between previous owner Judge James M. Macnish, Jr. and R.L. Wilson related to the use of this rifle in "Winchester Engraving."

Very good. The barrel retains 20% original blue finish with the balance a smooth brown patina. Traces of original niter blue remain on the loading gate. Traces of original case colors remain on the hammer and receiver in the protected areas with stronger amounts of original colors around the trigger and on the lower tang. The engraving is crisp. The revarnished wood is very good with a repair visible at the stock toe, a short hairline stress crack at the upper tang, minor dings and scratches and some wear to the checkering. Mechanically excellent. A well-documented, rarely encountered deluxe Model 1873 with several special order features such as factory engraved monogram, set trigger, and peep sight along with the extra bonus of just as rare and desirable Freund sights. This Winchester has a lot going for it!