Known simply as “The Gun that Won the West,” the Winchester Model 1873 Rifle stands as an icon of American firepower on the open frontier that still resonates with modern collectors, especially those with special order features such as this example. On this rifle there are several highly sought after special order features. The accompanying factory letter for this deluxe Model 1873 lists the half octagon barrel in .38 caliber, set trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, half magazine that holds seven cartridges, and casehardened receiver (receiver is currently blued). As confirmed by the factory letter the rifle was received in the warehouse on July 23, 1885 and shipped the same day. Per 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. The blued third model receiver features an integral dust cover rail and dust cover with serrations at the rear. The rifle is fitted with a beaded blade Lyman front sight, a folding two leaf Lyman rear sight, a folding tang peep sight, and a single set trigger. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line Winchester New Haven address and King's improvement patent dates ahead of the rear sight and "38 WCF" at the breech. The cartridge elevator is marked "38 CAL." The buttstock is fitted with a casehardened trapdoor crescent buttplate (cleaning rod absent). Mounted on a XXX highly figured, "H" pattern checkered forearm and pistol grip stock with an ebony insert in the pistol grip. The left side of the lower tang is marked "504 XXX 38." The assembly number "504" is repeated on the stock inlet.

Very fine. The barrel and receiver retain 80% plus of the original blue with thinning to brown on the balance with cold blue visible on the once damaged muzzle. 40% nitre blue remains on the loading gate. 95% plus of the refinished case colors remain on the lever. The hammer retains 70% original case colors. The buttplate has a smooth gray patina. The wood is also fine with an added coat of varnish, a couple of small repairs, some scattered handling marks, and crisp recut checkering. Mechanically excellent.