Manufactured in 1884 as a third model with a casehardened receiver featuring an integral dust cover rail and dust cover with serrated rear edges. The accompanying factory letter confirms the 28 inch octagon barrel in .38 caliber, set trigger, checkered pistol grip stock and casehardened receiver. The letter also states the rifle was received in the warehouse on March 6, 1884 and shipped the same day. The rifle is fitted with a German silver blade front sight, an elevation adjustable rear sight, and a folding tang peep sight. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line Winchester address/King's patent marking ahead of the rear sight and "38-CAL" at the breech. "38 CAL" is stamped on the cartridge elevator. The left side of the lower tang is marked "5295 XX." The assembly number "5295" is repeated on the stock inlet and buttplate. It is mounted with a finely figured and "H" pattern checkered forearm and pistol grip stock with an ebony insert in the grip and trapdoor buttplate (cleaning rod not included). As listed in the Winchester 1875 catalog, the optional finish for a "fancy walnut stock" cost at least $5.00 extra. Special features such as deluxe wood were generally considered too costly and unnecessary for the average customer looking for a reliable "working man's gun." Finding a deluxe Model 1873 in any condition is becoming increasingly difficult.
Fine, retaining 50% original blue finish with a smooth brown patina on the balance. 30% original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. The receiver retains 40% original case colors with the balance silvered out. Patterns of original case colors remain on the lever and forend cap. The hammer retains half of the original case colors. The buttstock is fine with minor dings and scratches and overall crisp checkering. The forearm is very good with mildly worn checkering. The set trigger does not function, otherwise action cycles and functions properly.
There are currently no customer product questions on this lot