This Winchester Third Model 1873 Carbine was manufactured in 1882, and subsequently Master engraved. The carbine is accompanied by a letter from Master Engraver Horacio Q. Acevedo that states he engraved this carbine in 1960-1961. Horacio Acevedo was a native of Mexico who began work as an engraver at age 13. He came to the United States in 1959, and worked as a custom gunsmith and engraver until his death in 2010. He specialized in the intricate engraving of antique Winchester and Colt firearms. The carbine has a deluxe finish with high polish blue on the barrel, magazine, barrel bands, receiver, and buttplate. The hammer and lever are color casehardened. The stock and forearm are highly figured fancy grain walnut with a satin finish. The top of the barrel at the breech, the receiver, upper tang, and heel of the buttplate are decorated with deeply cut 19th century style scrollwork on a punch-dot background. The left sideplate is engraved with a highly detailed scene that depicts a mule-drawn Army supply train with cavalry escort. The right sideplate is engraved with a mounted civilian scout and cavalry patrol skirmishing with Native American warriors on a desert hillside. Both scenes are in the style of classic Fredrick Remington works. The carbine has the Third Model receiver with integral dust cover rail and dust cover with serrated edges. A staple-mounted saddle ring is located on the left side of the receiver. The barrel has a block front sight mounted behind the barrel band and early non-adjustable leaf rear sight. The carbine style buttplate has a sliding brass trap door. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped "WINCHESTER'S-REPEATING-ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CT./KING'S- IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16. 1860." in two lines ahead of the rear sight. "44 CAL." is engraved in script on the bottom of the brass cartridge elevator. The upper tang is roll-stamped "-MODEL. 1873.-" in fancy letters with foliate devices at either end. The serial number is roll-stamped in script behind the lever latch. Provenance: The Joe Marlin Hilliard Collection

Near new as master engraved and refinished by Horacio Acevedo. This flawlessly finished and beautifully engraved carbine compares with the best 19th Century engraved Winchester rifles. The carbine shows minimal handling and storage marks and retains 99% of the high polish blue and color casehardened finish. The only wear is a small spot of storage rust on the heel of the buttplate. The engraving is deep and crisp. The markings on the barrel and receiver are sharp. The fancy grain walnut stock and forearm retain all of the hand-rubbed satin finish. Mechanically excellent. This is a stunning example of a deluxe and rarely encountered Horacio Acevedo engraved Winchester Model 1873 Carbine.