This is a rare example of a factory engraved Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 Lever Action rifle. The accompanying factory letter confirms the octagon barrel in .32 caliber, set trigger, casehardened receiver, checkered pistol grip stock, and factory engraving costing an additional $2.50. The rifle was received in the warehouse on March 10, 1891, and shipped the same day. The rifle has the Third Model receiver with integral dust cover rail and rounded top and dust cover with serrated finger guides on the edges. The 24 inch octagon barrel, full length magazine, dust cover and loading gate are blued. The forearm cap, receiver, hammer, lever and crescent buttplate are color casehardened. The forearm and pistol grip stock are highly figured, fancy grain walnut with Winchester "Style H" checkering and a piano finish. The pistol grip has an ebony insert. The barrel has a "Rocky Mountain" style front sight and buckhorn, sporting style rear sight. The receiver is fitted with a special order single set-trigger. The forearm cap, side plates, top, bottom and sides of the receiver, upper receiver tang dust cover, cartridge elevator and buttplate heel are decorated with the equivalent of Winchester No. 10 engraving consisting of open scrollwork on a punch-dot background and double-line, scalloped borders. A circular panel on the left side plate is engraved with a detailed game scene that depicts two white tail deer. The engraving was executed by John Ulrich. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped: "WINCHESTER'S REPEATING ARMS NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A./-KING'S IMPROVEMENT PATENTED MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16. 1860.-" in two lines ahead of the rear sight. The caliber, "32 W.C.F." is roll-stamped on the top barrel flat just in front of the receiver. "32 CAL" is roll-stamped in script of the bottom of the cartridge elevator. "Crown/BNP" stamped on the bottom of the receiver. The upper tang is roll-stamped: "{ MODEL 1873}" in fancy letters with foliate devices at either end. The serial number is stamped in small script letters across the lower tang behind the lever latch.

Very good plus. The barrel and magazine tube have 30% of the blue finish with traces of blue-brown patina and some scattered age discoloration. The nitre blue finish on the loading gate has faded to a dark patina. The case colors are visible in the lower frame with the balance on the forearm cap, receiver, hammer, lever, and buttplate have turned to a mottled, attractive silver-gray patina. The engraving is deep and crisp. The receiver markings are sharp. The fancy grain walnut stock and forearm are both very fine and retain 85% of the high polish piano finish. The checkering is sharp and shows minimal handling wear. The stock and forearm have a few scattered handling marks. This is a fine original, example of a scarce Special Order Deluxe Factory Engraved Winchester Third Model 1873 rifle.