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Special Order Winchester Second Model 1873 Lever Action Short Rifle with Factory Letter

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
Special Order Winchester Second Model 1873 Lever Action Short Rifle with Factory Letter
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This is an example of a special order Second Model 1873 lever action rifle with rare 22 inch round barrel. The included factory letter confirms the serial number, rifle configuration, 38WCF caliber, 22 inch round barrel and plain trigger. The rifle was received in the warehouse on February 22, 1881 and shipped on February 25, 1881 with 19 other Model 1873s (order number 24201). The rifle has silver blade front and adjustable buckhorn rear sights with the two line address/patent dates stamped ahead of the rear sight and "38 CAL" at the breech. The brass cartridge elevator is stamped "38 CAL." and the upper tang is stamped "MODEL 1873". Full magazine tube and Second Model dust cover guide secured to the receiver with two screws. Smooth forearm and straight grip stock with iron forend cap and shotgun buttplate. This buttstock feature is not mentioned in the records, which writer believes to be in error as the internal assembly tang number "2314" is also stamped on buttstock internally.
BBL: 22 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 38 WCF
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 68931
Condition: Very good. The rifle retains 40% of the original blue finish with the balance a mottled brown patina. There are a few patches of mild pitting with a number of tool-like marks on the magazine. The sanded wood is fine with a couple of repairs, some chipping around the upper tang, and a few minor handling marks.