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FINE WINCHESTER 2ND MODEL 1873 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,750.00 USD Estimated At:5,500.00 - 8,500.00 USD
FINE WINCHESTER 2ND MODEL 1873 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 68414. Cal.44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade rifle with 24-1/4" oct bbl, full magazine, 1/2 nickel front sight and early, short, semi-buckhorn rear sight with checkered edges. Receiver has screwed-on dust cover rail with 3rd type dust cover and single set trigger. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut and crescent buttplate with trap containing an orig 4-pc all steel cleaning rod. This rifle was produced in 1881 at the height of the great migration west when any repeating firearm was in great demand, especially those in calibers that used the same ammunition as handguns. Not only were these firearms in great demand by the pioneers they were also highly sought after by individuals in law enforcement and those on the other side of the law. In that era transportation was entirely on horseback, by wagon or buggy, all of which exposed those firearms to inclement weather and harsh condition usually resulting in rapid loss of original finish. Few of the firearms of that era are found today with high orig finish. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl and magazine tube retain 95-97% bright orig blue with only very light sharp edge wear and a few scattered spots of surface discoloration. Receiver retains about 75% glossy orig blue, the loss areas flaked, not worn to a dark patina. Dust cover retains about 95% bright blue. Lever and hammer retain most of their orig case colors, turned dark. Buttplate retains 70-75% faded case colors. Wood is sound with 3 or 4 small bruises in buttstock and a small chip in the forearm with light nicks and scratches and over all retains most of it's original oil finish on buttstock and about 50% on the forearm with the balance a hand worn patina. Trigger needs adjustment, otherwise mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore, shows very little use. Cleaning rod is fine. 4-49351 JR243