Make: Massachusetts Arms Co.

Model: 1873 #10 Improved Mid-Range

Serial Number: 26053

Year of Manufacture: 1873 - 1882

Caliber: .40-40 Maynard CF

Action Type: Single Shot Lever Actuated Breech Loaded Single Shot Rifle.

Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked, “EDWARD MAYNARD PATENTEE MAY.27 1851. DEC.6.1859 / 1873” The right side of the receiver is marked, “MANUFACTURED BY MASS. ARMS CO. CHICOPEE FALLS”. The rear tang is marked with the serial number.

Barrel Length: 32”. 1/3 Octagon

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a two position Beech style sight with a brass post and a hooded post. The rear sight is a two position V-notch with a sliding ladder. The rear tang is fixed with a Vernier tang sight base & rails.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a single piece walnut with a straight wrist, raised straight comb, and steel buttplate. There are light handling marks throughout. There is a repaired crack at the wrist. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition. The stock set is refinished.

Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is light gray and the rifling is pronounced. There is moderate erosion in the bore with spots of pitting throughout. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 5% of its metal finish. There are some small spots of blue remaining on the barrel and some colorful spots of case color on the receiver. There is heavy thinning throughout with patina, scratches, and nicks. The screw heads are mostly sharp. The markings are clear, though the patent dates are double stamped. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition as an Antique.

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

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: 21 .40-40 Maynard cartridges.

Our Assessment: The Maynard Model 1873 #10 Improved Mid-Range rifle represents a fascinating chapter in the evolution of precision single-shot rifles during the golden age of American target shooting. Manufactured by the Massachusetts Arms Company and based on the innovative breechloading design of Edward Maynard, the Model 1873 #10 was tailored for mid-range competition and hunting. Chambered in .40-40 Maynard, a cartridge well-regarded for its accuracy and manageable recoil, this rifle was a favorite among marksmen during a time when black powder cartridges still dominated the long-range shooting scene. The Maynard’s unique lever-actuated action and rugged yet elegant design earned it a reputation for dependable function and exceptional precision. This example features a 32” barrel with a 1/3 octagon profile, paired with a period-correct two-position Beech front sight and a sliding-ladder rear sight, along with a fixed base for a Vernier tang sight—indicating it was purpose-built for accuracy at varying distances. The bore retains pronounced rifling and only moderate erosion and pitting, rating 7.5/10 for an antique black powder rifle. The walnut stock has been refinished and has a professionally repaired wrist crack but remains solid and visually appealing. Metal finish has largely faded to a uniform patina with only traces of original blue and case coloring remaining, yet the rifle retains clear markings and sharp mechanical function. The inclusion of 21 .40-40 Maynard cartridges adds the ability to shoot and reload ammo for this fine piece, giving this rifle both display and interpretive appeal.

For collectors of 19th-century American single-shot rifles or enthusiasts of early long-range target shooting, this Maynard Model 1873 #10 Mid-Range rifle offers both mechanical elegance and historical depth. With its original chambering, classic target configuration, and well-preserved functionality, it stands as a testament to the innovation and precision of pre-Cartridge Era firearms. Whether appreciated for its competitive pedigree, engineering simplicity, or frontier-era appeal, this rifle remains a standout piece from one of America’s most respected 19th-century arms makers.