Make: Winchester

Model: 1873 Musket

Serial Number: 481050

Year of Manufacture: 1894

Caliber: .44-40 Winchester

Action Type: Lever Action with Tubular Magazine

Barrel Length: 30", Round

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tapered blade integral to a rectangular base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a folding ladder-type with "V" notch when folded down and a "V"-notched slider on a ladder marked from “2” to “8” when folded up. There is a small “V” notch in the top of the ladder. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight, none included.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with nosecap, two barrel bands, straight grip, straight comb, carbine-style steel buttplate with sliding door, a sling swivel in the belly and another mounted to the forward barrel band. The stock has a storage compartment behind the sliding door in the buttplate, there is nothing in the compartment. The stocks have some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with a few more notable dings. There is a small loss at the toe. The LOP measures 12 7/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has been polished bright with some scattered light oxidation and minor erosion. Overall, the stocks rate in Very Good-plus condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some scattered light erosion and a little minor pitting. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 7/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 65% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is scattered wear along the barrel with less wear in the receiver. Worn areas have some light surface oxidation with infrequent erosion. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The case color on the lever and hammer is generally visible, muted in some areas. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Fine condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: One of the most successful, and certainly one of the most famous Winchester rifles was the Winchester Model 1873, known as "The Gun that Won the West" for its predominant role in the hands of Western settlers. The Model 1873 had a steel frame that was much stronger than the brass framed Model 1866, allowing Winchester to develop a family of powerful new cartridges. The .44-40 Win. cartridge, also known as the .44 WCF, was introduced by Winchester in 1873 as Winchester's first metallic centerfire cartridge. Colt produced a single action revolver chambered for this cartridge in 1877. Through law enforcement use and hunting, and made popular through its dual use in rifle and pistol, the .44-40 soon became the most popular cartridge in the United States.

This Model 1873 Musket was made in 1894, has a 30” round barrel chambered for .44-40 and a carbine-style buttplate with sliding-door compartment. The rifle is in nice condition retaining much of its original finish, a decent bore, and strong mechanics. This rifle is 130 years of age, but you wouldn't know it by looking at it! The 1873 muskets are not particularly common, consisting of about 5 percent of total 1873 production, and one in this condition will take a prized spot in any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!