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Winchester 1873 Smoothbore .44-40 #545390

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:6,250.00 USD Estimated At:12,500.00 - 25,000.00 USD
Winchester 1873 Smoothbore .44-40 #545390
Factory letter confirms 44 caliber, octagon barrel, plain trigger, Lyman Jack front sight, smoothbore, received May 7, 1900, shipped May 9, 1900, to order number 58158. Buffalo Bill copy and a host of other wild west performers and shows were at the height of popularity at the turn of the century when this rare gun was made. A popular show trick was shooting glass balls full of feathers cast into the air and creating a dramatic effect upon breaking. Very few factory smooth bores were made (estimated about 50 or less) and this is the only example viewed by this cataloger with an octagon barrel as they are normally round barrels, in my experience. This 73 shows decorative brass tacks in the buttstock and is in good condition, showing a brown patina finish with light to moderate surface erosion and minor pitting. The address and markings are good and legible. The dust cover and small parts match in patina and age and the metal has an uncleaned "as found" authentic appearance. The stocks are fair to good with losses on both sides of the forend, dings, mars, scratches and imperfections of this type associated with show use. Six notches are purposely carved in left center of buttstock for an unknown commemoration. 44 caliber on lifter clearly visible and tacks show a natural patina matching overall appearance, mechanics tight with good shiny bore. An important rarity that may be identifiable to original owner with photos because of the tack pattern in the stock or correlation of the Winchester order number with another gun.NRA Good to Very Good Condition. Modern Firearm.