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Rare Documented Winchester Lever Action Muskets
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OT 1014
Documented Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Musket in Rare .38 W.C.F. with Bayonet and Factory
etter as Pictured and Discussed in “Winchester’s New Model of 1873: A Tribute Volume II” by Gordon - Serial no.
492608B, 38 WCF cal., 30 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1895 as a Third Model musket with integral dust
cover rail on the receiver and dust cover with serrations at the rear. This musket is incredibly scarce in that it left the factory chambered in .38 W.C.F. Out of the 196 Model 1873 muskets surveyed by Gordon for his book, “Winchester’s New Model of 1873: A Tribute Volume II”, this was the only one chambered in .38 W.C.F. This specific musket is listed by serial number and pictured on p. 489 of the previously mentioned book, where it is listed as “Rare 38 caliber”. A survey of the approximately 163 Model 1873 muskets sold here at
THIS RARE MUSKET DOES NOT HAVE THE TYPICAL STEP DOWN AT THE FRONT OF THE RECEIVER, WHICH IS TYPICALLY SEEN ON WINCHESTER 1873S CHAMBERED IN .22, .32, AND .38
Collector’s Fact
This is the only Winchester 1873 Musket chambered in 38 W.C.F. surveyed by Winchester author James Gordon.
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK WINCHESTER’S NEW MODEL OF 1873, VOL. II BY GORDON
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Rock Island Auction Company returns the same results, with this example being the only one we have ever catalogued in this caliber. Interestingly the receiver on this example does not have the normal “step-down” that is normally seen on Model 1873s chambered in .22, .32, and .38. It is possible this was done to conform
more with the standard Model 1873 musket production, the vast majority of which were chambered in .44 W.C.F. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line address/King’s patent marking with the scarce “38 W.C.F.” caliber marking behind the rear sight at the breech and is confirmed on the bottom of the cartridge elevator, which is marked “38 CAL”. The model designation and serial number are marked on the upper and lower tangs respectively. It is fitted a blade front sight on the bayonet lug and a folding ladder rear sight graduated to 800 yards. It is mounted with the standard full length musket forearm with three barrel bands and a straight grip stock with a trapdoor carbine buttplate containing a five-piece cleaning rod. The included factory letter lists the musket by serial number, in .38 caliber, with an angular bayonet when received at the warehouse on 26 August 1895 and shipped the same day with two other arms to order number 17179. Includes a correct socket bayonet.
CONDITION: Very good, retains 30% of the original blue finish and some faint case color patterns on the hammer with the balance having mostly faded to a plum-brown or grey patina. The
lightly sanded and reoiled wood is also very good with a couple hairline cracks in the forearm and minor dings and scratches scattered throughout. Mechanically excellent. The bayonet is very good with minimal wear. Estimate: 6,000 - 8,500
LOT 1015
Scarce Documented Colorado National Guard Marked Winchester Model 1895 Lever Action Musket with Bayonet and Cartridge Belt - Serial no. 17484, 30-40 Krag cal., 30 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1898 as one of approximately 400 with this special issue ollmark. These Model 1895 muskets were used extensively by the Colorado National Guard in suppressing miner’s unions during the Colorado Labor Wars of 1903 and 1904. The right side of the receiver has the marking: “NATIONAL GUARD OF COLORADO” while the left has standard Winchester markings. The top of the receiver ring is marked “2C28”. The musket lacks a caliber marking. “KSM” inspector mark is stamped on the lever, hammer, and buttplate. Pinned blade front sight, rear aperture sight graduated to 1,800 yards and marked “200,”“300,”“500,” and “700” on the left side, bayonet lug on the front barrel band and musket stock with finger groove forearm, sling swivels and trapdoor buttplate. These Colorado National Guard Model 1895 muskets are seldom encountered in their original configuration and when found generally show hard use. Includes a Winchester marked bayonet, which is missing the scabbard, and a canvas cartridge belt. Includes a copy of a Winchester research request listing it as a Colorado National Guard musket that shipped on 2 April 1899 as well as a copy of a page from Springfield Research Service of U.S. Martial Arms Volume 4 listing the rifle by serial as in Colorado National Guard inventories in 1905. CONDITION: Very good, retains 40% of the original blue finish on the frame, traces of original case colors on the hammer and front band, and the barrel and front sight a smooth artificially enhanced grey patina with some scattered patches of light pitting/surface oxidation. The lightly sanded and reoiled wood is also very good with some minor dings and scratches scattered throughout. Mechanically excellent. The bayonet is very fine with minimal wear and the belt has mild wear and some staining. Estimate: 2,000 - 3,500
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Collector’s Fact
One of approximately 400 Winchester Model 1895 Muskets with the special “NATIONAL GUARD OF COLORADO” roll mark.
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