The Model 1873 is one of the most famous of all American firearms and has been popularly known as "the Gun that Won the West" due to its popularity with pioneers. It was often paired with a Colt Single Action Army or other revolver chambered for the popular .44-40 W.C.F. cartridges. This made carrying ammunition for both your rifle and your revolver simple and allowed an individual to be ready to defend themselves against man or beast in a variety of tough situations. Today the Model 1873 holds a special place for modern collectors, especially those in high condition and with special order features such as this example. The half magazine tube and half barrel are special order features displayed on this Model 1873. The accompanying factory letter (copy) confirms the half octagon barrel in .44 caliber, plain trigger and half magazine as well as received in the warehouse on February 1, 1899 and shipped on June 28, 1889. The rifle is fitted with Winchester No. 71A combination Beach front and No. 22H sporting rear sights as well as a Lyman No. 2 adjustable peep sight. The rifle has a third model receiver with integral dust cover rail and dust cover with grip serrations at the rear. The top barrel flat has the two-line Winchester legend ahead of the rear sight and '44 WCF" at the breech. The cartridge elevator is marked "44 CAL." The lower tang has the serial number. The buttstock is fitted with a trapdoor buttplate, and the butt compartment contains a four piece cleaning rod. The forearm and straight grip stock are plain walnut. Provenance: The Wayne Connor Collection

Exceptionally fine, retaining 85% plus original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance and some light spotting mostly on the right side of the receiver. 40% original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. 70% original case colors remain on the hammer and 30% on the lever. Slight traces of original case colors remain on the buttplate. The wood is also very fine with minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. A very nice, high condition Winchester Model 1873 Rifle.