One of the most popular repeating firearms produced is this classic, iron-framed, lever-action rifle called a Winchester Model 1873. In .38 caliber, it is similar to the type carried by the western outlaw, Billy the Kid. From 1873 through 1924, almost 721,000 M1873 carbines and rifles were produced by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company of New Haven, Connecticut.

In good, strong original condition, this M1873 rifle bears serial # 164001A and was produced in 1884. Specimen has a 24” long round barrel with a tubular magazine that is located beneath. Tube is secured by a single barrel band. The rifle’s iron frame employs Nathan King’s (Winchester superintendent) 1866 patent for storing cartridges in the tube and also for loading the tube through a horizontal hinged gate on the right side of the frame. Lever-action frame has a sliding, rail-mounted, dust-cover with serrated edges and is fitted to a two-piece, oil-stained black walnut stock and forend. Rifle has been lightly cleaned at one time and exhibits hints only of original case colors and bluing. It also shows a smooth, mottled, light gray patina on some of the gunmetal.

Barrel exhibits adjustable rear sights, dadoed front blade sight, and the maker’s address “WINCHESTER’S REPEATING ARMS NEW HAVEN, CT / KING’S IMPROVED PATENT MARCH 29, 1866, OCTOBER 16, 1860” on the barrel’s top center facet. Stamping is clear and mostly strong. Marking of “38 Cal.” located behind rear sight and is also marked on the bottom of the brass ejector plate. Lightly dusty bore exhibits original six-groove rifling and should clean up to semi-bright. Original black walnut stock is fine with normal dings, dents and abrasions from use and age, no breaks or repairs. No chips or slivers of wood missing. Serial # located on the triggerguard tang. Same area has the rare 62B flip up sight missing the adjustment knob. Original frame screws are buggered. Curved, iron butt plate has the brass-mounted slide for the cleaning aperture in the stock. No cleaning rod included. Rifle exhibits good mechanics.

With the weapon is a letter from the Winchester Company stating that the weapon was received in their warehouse on October 1, 1884 and shipped out the same day on order number 15120.

An iconic Winchester Repeating Model 1873 .38 caliber rifle.    [ad]

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