Make: Winchester Repeating Arms Co.

Model: 1873 Saddle Ring Carbine – 2nd Model

Serial Number: 66771B

Year of Manufacture: 1881

Caliber: .44-40 Winchester (.44 WCF)

Action Type: Lever action with full-length magazine tube

Markings: The top of the upper tang is faintly marked with Winchester patent and address information; the lower tang is marked with serial number 66771B. The brass cartridge elevator is unmarked but checkered in a diamond pattern. The barrel and magazine tube appear unmarked, likely due to honest wear and patina. The rifle features beautifully executed period floral scroll engraving on the sideplates, dust cover, upper tang, and rear of the receiver. Each sideplate bears a circular engraved panel depicting a proud buck in profile, one on each side. The engraving style is consistent with 1880s American scrollwork and is believed to be contemporary to the period of manufacture.

Barrel Length: 20", round carbine barrel

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to the front barrel band. The rear sight is a two-position leaf sight with a fixed standing V-notch and a long folding leaf that also presents a V-notch, likely calibrated for 300 and 500 yards. The rear sight base remains affixed to the barrel. The rifle retains its original saddle ring mounted to the left side of the receiver.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with a straight grip and carbine-style forend secured by a single steel barrel band. The wood shows scattered dings, dents, and compressions from honest field use, along with oil darkening in the grip areas. A notable crack runs along the right side of the forend, extending back toward the receiver. A small chip is present at the left rear corner where the tang meets the buttstock. The buttstock is fitted with a steel carbine-style buttplate with a functioning trapdoor compartment, beneath which is visible a brass cartridge trap insert. The fit remains solid. LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate.

Type of Finish: Originally blued, now an aged gray patina with prominent engraving

Finish Originality: Areas have been polished bright, there is no evidence of a new finish being applied. Engraving appears to be period, but not factory.

Bore Condition: The bore shows visible rifling that has been smoothed through age and use. There is light erosion and scattered pitting. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 5/10.

Mechanics: The action cycles correctly, the hammer holds at full cock, and the trigger releases cleanly. The lever and lifter operate properly, and the grooved dust cover slides freely. There is a visible repair to the rear of the action, where a reinforcement has been installed to secure function. The repair appears professionally executed, and the action is fully functional. The trapdoor buttplate compartment opens and closes as intended. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Includes a Cody Firearms Records Office search letter confirming this carbine was received in the warehouse on February 11, 1881, and shipped on July 28, 1881, under order number 26980.

Our Assessment: This Winchester Model 1873 is a truly compelling example of America’s most iconic frontier rifle. Manufactured in 1881 and chambered in .44-40, this 2nd Model carbine carries period-correct floral scroll and game scene engraving, believed to be contemporary to the rifle and possibly commissioned as a presentation or enhanced customer piece. The engraving is bold, richly detailed, and stylistically in line with the type seen on deluxe Winchesters of the day, adding substantial appeal without straying from the rifle’s working roots.

The carbine retains its original features, including the saddle ring, two-position leaf sight, brass cartridge trap, and correct 2nd Model dust cover rail. Each sideplate features a buck in profile, an elegant and consistent motif that ties the piece together. A functional repair to the rear of the action ensures this piece remains both a working rifle and a collector’s showpiece. It has clear age, wear, and cosmetic blemishes, but also soul and presence.

Collectors of early Winchesters, Old West arms, and period-engraved carbines will appreciate the rare combination of authenticity, artistry, and function. Whether hung in a place of honor or used as a cornerstone in a serious 19th-century arms collection, this carbine still speaks, and loudly.