The immensely rare Winchester 1 of 1000 rifles are among the most coveted of all American firearms. Only 133 of these incredible rifles were manufactured, and the variety among this already rare group essentially makes each rifle a unique "Holy Grail" for collectors. This rifle is one of the finest First Model Winchester Model 1873 1 of 1,000 Rifles extant. Its rarity is enhanced by the XXX deluxe pistol grip stock. Pistol grip stocks are very rare on early Winchester Model 1873s. The included factory letter lists it as a rifle with an octagon barrel, set trigger, XXX checkered stock, Beach and peep sights, casehardened finish, sling and swivels, and 1 of 1,000. It was received in the warehouse and shipped on July 30, 1875. It is pictured and discussed on pages 31 and 32 of "The Story of the Winchester 1 of 1000 and 1 of 100 Rifles" by Edmund E. Lewis. A signed "Special Leather-Bound Edition" copy of the book noting "Winchester Model 1873 Rifle/Serial Number 6594" on the limited edition label inside is included. This is one of only 50 signed copies. The text reads: "This rifle, a First Model with an Arabic 1 of 1000 inscription, was purchased by Fred Mills in 1935 from the Iver Johnson Sporting Goods Store in Boston. It was one of the first twenty rifles reported to Universal Pictures and Winchester during the 'Winchester '73' motion picture search. Mills reported: 'I bought this rifle June 6th, 1935, as recorded in my case book as follows, Win. 73 (1 of 1000) Fancy rifle $10... in almost new condition. Previous owner unknown.'" Lewis notes that the tang peep sight is a period addition, but the factory records list the rifle with a peep sight. He also notes that the lever is numbered to the gun under the sideplate confirming the rifle was ordered with a pistol grip. He also states the rifle is marked "6594" on the tang and "594" on the inside of the sideplates, the buttstock is marked for XXX deluxe walnut, and the lower tang and stock mortise are both numbered "394." Included documentation traces the provenance and confirms that the included Model 94 carbine was the one presented to Mills by Winchester as part of the "Winchester '73" search. The rifle is also listed in the section in the "One of A Thousands" chapter of "Winchester's New Model of 1873: A Tribute, Volume II" by James D. Gordon. The ledger details are listed as: octagon barrel, casehardened finish, checkered XXX stock, set trigger, and "P&B" sights (peep and Beach) and indicates the rifle was received and sold on July 30, 1875, in order 3745. It falls between the rifles inscribed for Thomas and Granville Stuart (sn. 5611 and 7282 respectively from order 3114) and is the twelfth 1 of 1,000 rifle listed in the factory ledgers out of only 133 Model 1873 1 of 1,000 rifles manufactured by Winchester. Only 63 were uncovered for Gordon's survey. The rifle was also pictured on the back cover of Jackson Arms' catalog 22 from 1965 and is listed as item 688 inside (copy included). Additionally, the rifle is discussed on page 65 of "Winchester: The Golden Age of American Gunmaking and the Winchester 1 of 1000" by R.L. Wilson. The rifle has a gold washed Beach folding combination globe and blade front sight, "WINCHESTER'S-REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CT./KING'S IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16. 1860." on top of the barrel ahead of the early short semi-buckhorn rear sight which has knurled edges, the distinctive "1 of 1000" marking hand inscribed on top of the barrel at the breech, the casehardened early 2nd type thumb print dust cover riding in the integral grooves in the top of the receiver, a tang mounted peep sight, adjustable single set trigger, casehardened receiver, style H checkered XXX deluxe forearm and pistol grip buttstock with contrasting grip insert and smooth steel shotgun buttplate, and sling swivels mounted on the forend cap and bottom of the buttstock.

Fine. The rear two thirds of the barrel and magazine tube retain 80% of the original blue finish and have mostly smooth brown patina on the balance and minimal minor handling and storage marks and light edge wear. There was a bulge in the barrel near the magazine retaining band that was professionally repaired and refinished. (The restoration is visible on close inspection.) The loading gate retains 90% of the original bright niter blue finish. The bolt also retains 60% original blue finish. The elevator displays attractive aged patina. 40% original case colors remain on the various receiver components with some fading to gray and brown patina and minimal light spotting. The finish on the buttplate has mostly faded to a gray patina with some light pitting. The refinished wood is also very fine and has exceptional flame figure, some spots of wear on the otherwise crisp checkering, and some light marks and scratches. Mechanically excellent.

This is a standard Model 94 carbine manufactured in 1950 and has standard markings and features for that period. What makes this carbine special is that it was presented as a prize gun during the search for original 1 of 1,000 rifles for the 1950 motion picture "Winchester '73" starring James Stewart. This rifle was presented to Fred Mills and is one of the very few 94 Carbines that has remained with the 1 of 1,000 it was awarded with. A statement from Eldon J. Owens attests to the fact that this carbine was presented to Mills and purchased by Owens along with the 1 of 1,000 from Mills' estate. Provenance: Iver Johnson Sporting Goods Store in Boston, Fred Mills, Eldon Owens, Jackson Arms Catalog 22 in 1965, Bobby C. Burns, Paul Sorrel, David Bichrest, Leon Budnigas, and Bert Jolicouer

Excellent overall with 97% plus original blue finish, absent front sight hood, minor marks and scratches on the metal and wood, and a small sliver absent from the edge of the upper tang mortise on the right. Mechanically excellent. This is an incredibly rare opportunity to get your hands on one of the finest First Model 1 of 1,000 Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifles known today backed by documentation and complete with the Winchester Model 94 Carbine presented to the rifle's owner as part of the Universal Pictures search for surviving Winchester 1 of 1,000s. Any 1 of 1,000 is worthy of a prominent place within an advanced Winchester collection, and this especially high condition and rare 1 of 1,000 will certainly be a crown jewel in any collection.