1399

Factory Engraved Special Order Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Short Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:8,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
Factory Engraved Special Order Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Short Rifle
Catalog Special for iCollector Customers!

Order our two volume set with 6,000 color photos.
This is a great reference. You will also be mailed a copy of the prices realized after the auction.
Call or visit our website to order!
Enter the code: 15CAT
$15 - FREE SHIPPING (Regular Price $60.)
While Supplies Last

Estimate: $8000 - 12000
Manufactured in 1892, this Model 1873 Short Rifle is a Third Model with the dust cover operating on the central guide that is integrally machined as part of the receiver. Dovetailed German silver blade front sight, folding ladder rear sight graduated to 200 yards. The receiver sides and side plates are engraved with a floral scroll design and in the center of the left side plate is a standing buck in a double circle panel. There is a wedge of scroll engraving on the dust cover, top of the chamber, on the bottom of the cartridge carrier, on the underside of the frame and on the buttplate tang. The top barrel flat is marked with the two line address/King's improvement patent dates ahead of the rear sight and "44 W.C.F." at the breech on the left flat and the serial number is marked on the lower tang. Adjustable set trigger and mounted with a smooth walnut forearm with a steel forend cap and a straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate with compartment. The included Cody Firearms Museum Records Office sheet confirms the serial number, rifle configuration, caliber, 20" octagon barrel, set trigger, carbine rear sight, and engraving, with the rifle received in warehouse May 19, 1892 and shipped from the warehouse May 27, 1892, order number 23549. (Winchester experts have speculated that order number 23549 went to President Diaz of Mexico, who was one of Winchester's best customer at this time.)
BBL: 20 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 44 WCF
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 425294B
Condition: Good. The metal surfaces have a smooth mottled gray patina with some moderate pitting on the dust cover and upper rear portion of the receiver around the hammer. The wood has been freshened with a coat of varnish some time ago and remains very good with almost all of the varnish remaining and overall a few scattered minor dings, dents and scratches. The markings and engraving are clear. The action is very good.