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Famed Winchester Model 1873 .32WCF Repeating Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:1,750.00 - 2,600.00 USD
Famed Winchester Model 1873 .32WCF Repeating Rifle
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This lot features the Famed "Gun that won the West", being a fantastic example of a Winchester Model 1873, repeating lever action rifle, chambered in .32 Winchester Center Fire (WCF). The Mod. 1873 is undoubtedly one of Winchesters earliest, and most popular repeating rifles, found in every barn, saddle scabbard, and behind every ranch house kitchen door during the frontier years. The Model 1873 was not only incredibly popular with hunters, farmers, ranchers, lawmen, and outlaws for its iconically smooth action, but also because the 1873 has few internal parts, and by simply removing the side-plates, the firearm becomes incredibly easy to clean and repair. The simple service was a huge advantage in sparsely populated areas where a gunsmith may be a few days ride - This meant the owner only needed a few spare parts, and a screwdriver, never to worry about their trusty rifle falling out of service. This excellent example utilizes a deep aged blue finish, a walnut butt-stock and fore-grip, 24" round barrel with full magazine, steel crescent butt-plate, a brass lifter, original buckhorn rear sight with elevator bar, and a standard Winchester blade front sight. The rifle is marked on the upper tang; "Model. 1873", on the lower tang with serial number: "333787-B", on the bottom of the brass lifter "32 CAL", behind the buckhorn rear sight "32 W.C.F", and on the top of the barrel with "Winchester's - Repeating - Arms. New Haven, CT - King's-Improvment-Patented-March 29.1866. October.16.1860.". The model 1873 was produced uninterrupted from 1873 - 1923, this particular example's serial number attributes its manufacture to 1890. Overall, the 128 year old rifle shows very good condition for age, retaining its original aged finish, without being sanded or polished over time. The bore of the rifle is dark, and in fair condition. The rifle shows patina indicative of age, thought the blue finish remains 70%+, there is scattered pitting, and loss of blue finish on hard edges of the rifle. This is an Antique Firearm. Serial Number: 333787.