The Winchester Model 1873 rifle stands as an icon of American firepower on the open frontier that still resonates with modern collectors. These rifles were incredibly popular on the frontier not only due to their impressive firepower, but also because they could be paired with a Colt "six shooter" of the same caliber, thus only having the need to carry one type of cartridge. This example was manufactured in 1881 as a Second Model with dust cover guide retained with two screws and dust cover with serrations at the rear. This rifle was also ordered with the desirable special order casehardened receiver, as confirmed by the included factory letter. The letter also confirms the round barrel, plain trigger, and receipt at the warehouse on 13 August 1881 and shipment the same day in order number 26692. It does not mention the shotgun butt. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line address and King's patent marking, as well as the caliber marking at the breech. The caliber marking is repeated on the cartridge elevator, model designation on the upper tang, and serial number on the lower tang. The left side of the lower tang is marked "CF 1397," and "1397" is repeated in the stock inlet. A "3" is marked inside the buttplate. It is fitted with a German silver front sight and elevation adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight. It is mounted with a nicely figured smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a smooth shotgun buttplate.

Very good, retains 20% of the original blue finish mostly visible in the sheltered areas of the barrel with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina and some faint traces of case color patterns with most having silvered out, typical of a rifle that saw years of frontier use. The wood is also fine with some scattered minor dings and scratches and a small chipped flap on top of the comb, all signs of a working gun. Mechanically excellent. A Winchester Model 1873 rifle that truly has the look of one ordered by someone that knew exactly what they wanted and actually used it!