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Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle
Auction Location:

16600 Aston Street
Irvine, CA
Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle, #162988, .44-40 cal., 24'' round barrel, mfg'd in 1884, as found in 1930 by Andrew Left Hand doing roadwork across the ravine at the Wounded Knee battlefield, with documenting letter from the Museum of the Fur Trade, Chadron, NE. Andrew Left Hand was helping to fill in a roadway across the ravine behind the Wounded Knee Store, and in the center of the Indian village that was destroyed Dec. 29, 1890. At some point in time later, Left Hand sold the collection to Frank Castek of Chardon, NE. Mr. Castek was a local collector of firearms and Indian artifacts. From there it made its way to the Museum of the Fur Trade. Because it is associated with a historic event, not directly related to the fur trade, the museum decided to deaccession it. Factory letter states that this Winchester rifle was shipped Oct. 3, 1884, in a shipment of 59 similar 1873 rifles. Rifle is in relic condition, as found, remaining relatively intact with the e!
xception of the right sideplate and areas of right side of stock and forend. Serial number is clearly visible. A true historical artifact from one of the most controversial ''battles'' in American history. (Walt Hallstein collection) Est.: $3,000-$5,000.