The Model 1873 was extremely popular with those heading to the American West, in part because they could be paired with a trusty Colt Single Action Army revolver in the same caliber. Offered here is a high condition third model with integral dust cover rail and dust cover with serrated rear edge and chambered in the smallest centerfire caliber offered to the Model 1873 line. The included factory letter (copy) confirms the octagon barrel in .32 caliber and plain trigger. The letter also states the rifle was received in the warehouse on July 9, 1896 and shipped on December 21. The rifle is fitted with Winchester No. 21 silver insert front and No. 22H rear sporting sights. The top barrel flat has the two-line Winchester legend ahead of the rear sight and "32 WCF" at the breech. "32 CAL" is marked on the cartridge elevator. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1873." The lower tang has the serial number. The forearm and straight grip stock are plain walnut. The buttstock is fitted with a crescent buttplate. Provenance: The Wayne Connor Collection

Very fine, retaining 80% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance. 60% original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. The buttplate retains 40% original case colors. The hammer and lever retain 50% original case colors. The wood is also very fine with some scattered minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. A solid representative example of a Winchester Model 1873 rifle in .32 WCF.