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Factory Engraved Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Short Rifle with Cody Verification Letter

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:800.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
Factory Engraved Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Short Rifle with Cody Verification Letter
Manufactured in 1885, 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 blade front sight, folding ladder rear sight graduated to 800 yards and marked "1873" at the top. The receiver sides and side plates are engraved with a floral scroll design and in the center of the left side plate is a running deer in a double circle panel. There is a wedge of scroll engraving on the dust cover, top of the chamber and on the underside of the frame. The top barrel flat is marked with the two line address/King's improvement patent dates ahead of the rear sight and "44 CAL" at the breech and the serial number is marked on the lower tang. Adjustable trigger and mounted with a smooth walnut forearm with a steel forend cap with sling swivel mounted on it, and a straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate with compartment (cleaning rod not included), and a crescent steel buttplate. The included Cody Firearms research verification confirms the serial number, 20" octagon barrel, set trigger, checkered stock, sporting leaf sight, engraving, and was shipped on May 29, 1885. More information regarding factory letter will be available closer to auction.
BBL: 20 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 44 WCF
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 176786A
Condition: Poor. The barrel and magazine tube have been cleaned years ago and have a silver gray patina with some minor spotting and pitting. The left side plate has a smooth silver gray patina while the balance of the frame has a smooth gray patina with hints of original blue finish in protected areas. The stock is a crude replacement and has a different grain than the forearm. There is a large long sliver absent from the left side upper edge of the forearm, evidence of some sanding and it has been refinished showing a few minor dents and dings. The stock is ill-fitting at the receiver and has a pieced in repair on the right wrist and a few minor dings and handling marks. The top receiver tang has been re-welded to frame and is absent of markings. The bottom tang also has been reattached, but carries the correct serial number. The markings and engraving are clear. The action is fine.