Manufactured in 1895 as a Third Model musket with integral dust cover rail on the receiver and dust cover with serrations at the rear. This musket is incredibly scarce in that it left the factory chambered in .38 W.C.F. Out of the 196 Model 1873 muskets surveyed by Gordon for his book, "Winchester's New Model of 1873: A Tribute Volume II", this was the only one chambered in .38 W.C.F. This specific musket is listed by serial number and pictured on p. 489 of the previously mentioned book, where it is listed as "Rare 38 caliber". A survey of the approximately 163 Model 1873 muskets sold here at Rock Island Auction Company returns the same results, with this example being the only one we have ever catalogued in this caliber. Interestingly the receiver on this example does not have the normal "step-down" that is normally seen on Model 1873s chambered in .22, .32, and .38. It is possible this was done to conform more with the standard Model 1873 musket production, the vast majority of which were chambered in .44 W.C.F. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line address/King's patent marking with the scarce "38 W.C.F." caliber marking behind the rear sight at the breech and is confirmed on the bottom of the cartridge elevator, which is marked "38 CAL". The model designation and serial number are marked on the upper and lower tangs respectively. It is fitted a blade front sight on the bayonet lug and a folding ladder rear sight graduated to 800 yards. It is mounted with the standard full length musket forearm with three barrel bands and a straight grip stock with a trapdoor carbine buttplate containing a five-piece cleaning rod. The included factory letter lists the musket by serial number, in .38 caliber, with an angular bayonet when received at the warehouse on 26 August 1895 and shipped the same day with two other arms to order number 17179. Includes a correct socket bayonet.

Very good, retains 30% of the original blue finish and some faint case color patterns on the hammer with the balance having mostly faded to a plum-brown or grey patina. The lightly sanded and reoiled wood is also very good with a couple hairline cracks in the forearm and minor dings and scratches scattered throughout. Mechanically excellent. The bayonet is very good with minimal wear.