Lot 48: Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle

Manufactured in 1888 as a third model with integral dust cover rail and dust cover with serrations at the rear. The barrel has a dovetail blade front sight, an elevation adjustable rear sight, the two-line address/patent dates legend stamped ahead of the rear sight and "44 WCF" stamped at the breech. The upper tang has the model marking. "44 CAL" is marked on the cartridge elevator. The straight grip stock is fitted with a trapdoor buttplate (cleaning rod not included).

Very good, retaining 20% of original blue finish in the protected areas, otherwise the rifle has a smooth brown-gray patina. Traces of original niter blue remain on the loading gate, and traces of original case colors remain on the hammer and lever. The wood is also very good with some minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent.