Offered here is a very rare example of the Winchester Model 1873 with a factory short barrel of 16 inches. The accompanying factory letter (copy) confirms the rifle configuration with a 16 inch octagon barrel in .44 caliber. The factory letter also states the rifle was received in the warehouse on January 6, 1910 and shipped on January 8 to the New York department of Winchester Repeating Arms Co., ticket number 243006. For collectors 16 inches is a very desirable short barrel length as there is no need for ATF exemption! Winchester expert and author George Madis notes, "Special short rifles with round or octagon barrels from fourteen to twenty-two inches in length were available for those who would order them from the factory." Any barrel length shorter than the standard 24 inches makes for a rare and special variation of the Model 1873 rifle. The rifle is fitted with No. 61A front and 44A 200 yard elevator rear sights. The upper left barrel flat has the two-line Winchester legend head of the rear sight and "44 W.C.F." at the breech. Import marked on underside of barrel. The cartridge elevator is marked "44 CAL." A Winchester factory oval proof is stamped on top of the barrel and receiver at the breech. The upper tang has the three-line model/trade mark information. The lower tang has the serial number. The Third Style receiver has an integral dust cover rail and dust cover with serrated edges. Measuring in at 7 1/2 inches, the forearm is the proper length for a short barrel 1873 rifle. The stock is fitted with a trapdoor crescent buttplate. The butt compartment holds a three piece cleaning rod. Provenance: The Wayne Connor Collection

Very fine overall as professionally restored, retaining 98% plus of the blue and 97% of the case colors with some scattered handling marks throughout. Mechanically excellent. As a Winchester rarity, this Winchester Model 1873 Trapper rifle has all the features that the astute Winchester collector desires.