This is an outstanding example of an early production second variant, first model Winchester Model 1873 lever action rifle that was manufactured in 1876. These early first models are very rare in exceptionally fine condition and much sought after. These first model can be easily identified as they have the distinct "thumb print" dust cover that appears as a small checkered oval finger grip on top of the dust cover along with the visible screw threads. This cover is held in place by the dual guide grooves, one located on either side of the top of the receiver. In addition, it is fitted with a very rare set of Winchester sling swivels (not mentioned in records) and a set of Winchester long range target sights. The accompanying factory letter identifies this as being a rifle action, shipped on July 31, 1876, under order number 6533 and as having a plain trigger and octagon barrel. It is fitted with the standard straight grip walnut buttstock with a crescent buttplate and the noted Winchester factory sling swivels mounted on the rear underside of the buttstock and on the underside of the forend nose cap. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped in two lines: "WINCHESTER'S-REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN.CT./KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER. 16. 1860.", and the barrel is correctly not marked with a caliber designation. It is fitted with an elevation adjustable, sporting rear sight and a very rare, Beach combination folding front sight that has the gold ring globe, with the pin-head aperture (when up) and the standard blade (when in the down position). It is fitted with an early tang mounted folding target type rear sight with peep aperture. The lower tang is engraved with the serial number behind the loading lever latch. This beautiful early rifle has a primarily blued metal finish and a casehardened loading lever, hammer and buttplate. It has straight grain American walnut stock with a color casehardened crescent buttplate with a sliding trap door and blued forend cap. It also includes its original four-section metal cleaning rod still stored in the butt-trap.

Exceptionally fine with 85% plus of the original Winchester factory blued finish, a hint of minor edge an high spot wear overall, and some slight thinning on the sides/rear area of the receiver. The hammer retains 85% of a dark subdued case colors, while the loading lever retains 50% plus of its subdued case colors, and the buttplate retains 20% of it fading case colors. The stock and forend are both in very fine condition with most of their oil finish, some very minor handling marks on the sides of the butt, and some age darkening on the underside behind the sling swivel and front edges directly where it meets the receiver. The wood to metal is tight and all original. The barrel markings are clear and sharp. An exceptional high condition early first model Winchester Model 1873 lever action rifle in the cowboy's favorite caliber the 44-40 WCF.