This is an outstanding example of a very desirable Special Order Deluxe Winchester Model 1873 rifle. The factory letter confirms this rifle was received in the warehouse on November 8, 1887, and shipped as part of order number 24036 the next day in rifle configuration with a .38 caliber "1/2 Octagon" barrel, set trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, and desirable casehardened receiver. This Third Model rifle has integral dust cover rail and dust cover with serrated rear edges. The barrel, magazine, dust cover, bolt, and loading gate are blue, and the forearm cap, receiver, hammer, lever, and trigger are color casehardened. The stock and forearm have a high polish piano finish. Special order features on this rifle include the 24 inch part-round/part-octagon barrel, single set trigger, tang mounted adjustable peep sight, and fancy grain walnut forearm and pistol grip stock. The stock and forearm have Winchester "Style H" checkering. The pistol grip has an ebony inlay. The barrel has a Lyman folding combination front sight with colored bead and buckhorn, sporting style, rear sight with serrated edges. The crescent steel buttplate has a sliding brass trap. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped: "WINCHESTER'S REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A./-KING'S IMPROVEMENT PATENTED MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16. 1860.-" in two lines ahead of the rear sight. The caliber "38 W.C.F." is stamped on the top barrel flat just in front of the receiver. "38 CAL" is stamped in script letters on the bottom of the cartridge elevator. The serial number is stamped in digits across the lower tang behind the lever latch. Provenance: The Joe Marlin Hilliard Collection

Exceptionally fine. The rifle retains 90% of the original blue and 85% plus vivid color casehardened finish. The forearm cap, receiver, hammer and lever have vivid case colors. The case colors on the bottom of the lever have faded slightly and show some minor handling wear. The barrel and magazine retain 95% of the original blue finish. There are several small spots of pitting on the barrel and magazine between the barrel band and the muzzle and traces of pitting on the barrel band. The balance of the barrel and magazine remain in excellent condition with sharp edges and crisp markings. The combination front sight has an 1891 patent date and is a period addition to the rifle. The dust cover and loading gate retain 95% plus of the fire blue finish. A significant amount of blue finish is present on the bolt. The highly figured, fancy grain walnut stock and forearm are in excellent condition. Nearly all of the high polish piano finish remains, and the checkering is sharp. Wear on the stock and forearm is limited to a few scattered and relatively minor handling marks. This is an exceptional example of a Special Order, Deluxe Winchester Model 1873 rifle that would be a stand-out piece in the finest collection of Winchester lever action rifles.