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Winchester Model 1873 .38-40 Octagon Rifle 1890

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:2,400.00 - 3,600.00 USD
Winchester Model 1873 .38-40 Octagon Rifle 1890
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This lot features a High Condition fantastic example of a Winchester Model 1873 repeating lever action rifle, chambered in the large, and highly desirable .38-40 Winchester Center Fire (WCF). The rifle shows a serial number of 35738 1-B and was manufactured during the last years of the Indian Wars/Frontier Period of 1890. This is the classic “Gun That Won the West!” and is an early and very fine condition example, with an overall length of approximately 42 inches, this 128 year old Winchester still retains fine bright factory blue on the receiver. The barrel and magazine also retain fine deep blue finish. The octagon barrel also retains excellent and clear Winchester markings as does the upper tang ("Winchester's - Repeating - Arms. New Haven, CT - King's-Improvment-Patented-March 29.1866. October.16.1860."). Walnut butt stock shows very desirable tight wood to metal fit, indicating that this rifle’s wood has never been sanded or refinished. It correctly has the sliding brass door compartment in the butt plate for storing cleaning rods. This fine 1873 rifle also retains a very tight action. The sliding dust cover on the receiver top is intact (these are usually missing) and the loading gate retains fine deep original blue. The un-polished brass lifter on the receiver bottom is correctly and clearly factory engraved with “38 CAL” and shows an attractive mellow, uncleaned patina. The lever catch is also intact and the screws heads are excellent. This superior, large caliber Model 1873 is in better condition than normally encountered on the collector market today. Even the bore shows strong rifling. Has a buckhorn rear sight and Winchester blade front sight. A fine example of a rifle produced in a factory before the use of electricity that is as good and solid today as it was on the day it was made. The Model 1873 was the standard for lever actions throughout the Frontier Period in the West which, in some areas like Montana, lasted well into the twentieth century. Most surviving specimens show heavy use and often abuse with broken or missing parts making this example far superior to those normally encountered. This is a truly beautiful example with an extraordinary amount of original bright factory blue remaining. This rifle, in the very desirable large caliber .38-40, recently came out of Arizona. The Mod. 1873 is undoubtedly Winchesters 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. The model 1873 was produced uninterrupted from 1873 - 1923, this particular example's serial number attributes its manufacture to 1890. Antique Firearm requires NO FFL and NO Background Check.