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FRESH, Significant 1 of 1000 Winchester 1873 with an Impressive 30 Inch Barrel, The Longest Produced Barrel Length
with brass compartment door (rod absent). Also included is full 50 round box of .44-40 W.C.F. ammunition with the green Winchester labels noting “CARTRIDGES/FOR/WINCHESTER RIFLE MODEL 1873” and showing a depiction of the .44-40 at the center of the lid, left end marked “WINCHESTER/ MODEL 1873,” and a Model 1873 carbine on one side. The ammunition makes for a great display alongside this extremely rare rifle.
CONDITION: Very good with distinct inscription and engraving, attractive dark aged patina on the silver bands, 30% faded thin original blue finish on the barrel and much of the refinished blue magazine tube, tool marks visible on the breech section, dark gray patina on the action and furniture along with some light pitting, mild pitting on the buttplate, and generally mild to moderate overall wear. The re-oiled wood is also very good and has attractive figure, minor wear on the otherwise crisp checkering, scattered small dings and scratches, light edge wear, and hand worn oiled finish. Mechanically fine. The ammunition box is very good and is opened and has torn corners. The ammunition inside has oxidation as expected from age. The One of One Thousand Winchester Model 1873s are already among the rarest and most desirable of antique American firearms, but this rifle is made even rarer by its 30 inch barrel which truly makes this an extremely rare Winchester. Do not miss you chance to own one of the most highly sought after examples of the “Gun that Won the West.”
Estimate: 95,000 - 150,000
Collector’s Fact
1 of 6 consecutively serial numbered 1 of 1000 Winchester Model 1873 rifles, beginning with serial number 31,266 and ending with this rifle, serial number 31,271, all shipped November 20, 1878 on factory order 13488.
LISTED BY SERIAL NUMBER IN THE BOOK WINCHESTER'S NEW MODEL OF 1873 VOL. II BY GORDON
GUNS FROM THE SAME SHIPMENT PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK WINCHESTER: THE GOLDEN AGE OF GUNMAKING AND THE WINCHESTER 1 OF 1000 BY WILSON
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