The accompanying factory letter lists this special order deluxe Model 1873 carbine with a set trigger, "fancy" checkered stock and nickel plating when received in the warehouse on April 10, 1883 and shipped on April 26. The third model receiver has an integral dust cover rail, dust cover with rear serrations, special order set trigger and a saddle ring mounted on the left side. The carbine is fitted with a blade front sight and an "1873" marked folding ladder rear sight graduated to 900 yards. The top of barrel is stamped with the two-line address/patent dates marking. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1873." The checkered forearm and straight grip stock are nicely figured "XX" deluxe walnut. The buttstock is fitted with a trapdoor buttplate (cleaning rod not included). The left side of the lower tang is marked "XX 4731 C R." The assembly number "4731" is repeated on the buttplate and stock inlet. As Winchester expert and author George Madis points out, "Rifles in the 1873 model outnumber carbines by 20%, and only one of each 600 guns had plating...and one of each 600 had special wood. These figures would be for all of the Model 73s produced. For carbines only, the ratios would be much higher." You are most certainly looking at an extremely rare Model 1873!

Fine, retaining 70% original nickel plating with flaking and smooth brown-gray patina on the balance and some minor-moderate pitting. The wood is good with a spliced repair and chip near the stock toe, minor dings and scratches and some wear in the checkering. Mechanically excellent. A rare special order factory nickel plated deluxe Model 1873 carbine missing from even the most advanced Winchester collections.