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Rare Smoothbore Winchester Model 1873 Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:7,500.00 - 10,000.00 USD
Rare Smoothbore Winchester Model 1873 Rifle
Auction Location:

16600 Aston Street
Irvine, CA
Rare Smoothbore Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle, #314620, .32 Winchester shot cal., 24'' round barrel, blue finish, standard smooth walnut stock. Shipped from the warehouse Oct. 29, 1889, order number 4065, with factory letter. Complete with one period blue glass target ball and two full boxes (one sealed) of .32 Winchester shot cartridges of slightly later vintage. This rifle was first turned up by John Malloy in the early 1960s from the original family. Malloy was told at the time that it was possibly a Buffalo Bill Wild West Show gun and that Buffalo Bill gave this rifle to the young man's grandfather for loyal service as his Band Leader. Records show only two having been made. Listed by serial number in James D. Gordon's book, ''Winchester's Model 1873, A Tribute'', page 549. Condition is fine to near excellent retaining approx. 70-80% thinning and toning blue. Stocks show very minor scuffs and scratches and just possibly the slightest sanding, as woo!
d mostly fits proud in all respects, with minor oil staining. Crescent butt shows no provision for trap. Dustcover functions as designed. Lifter shows sharp edges. Action is crisp, bore is near perfect. Sealed ammo box shows little wear; open box, although complete, remains approx. 97% legible with minor losses to the orange sides. Glass ball reads ''MB Glass Works'' and remains in excellent original condition. (Walt Hallstein collection) Est.: $7,500-$10,000