Make: Winchester

Model: 1873 Rifle, 1st Model

Serial Number: 11512

Year of Manufacture: 1875

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

Action Type: Lever Action with Full Length Tubular Magazine and Single Set-Trigger

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER’S- REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CT. / KING’S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29.1866. OCTOBER 16.1860.”. The lower tang is marked “11512”. The upper tang is marked “MODEL. 1873.”. The left of the bottom tang, the upper tang inlet of the wrist, and the inside of the buttplate at the toe each have the assembly number "2539". The lower tang is also marked "XXX". The inside of each sideplate is marked "512".

Barrel Length: 28" Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a German silver blade in a slotted base dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a "V"-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight (none present).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered XX deluxe walnut with a capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and steel crescent buttplate with sliding trapdoor in the rear face (nothing in the compartment). The stocks have some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is a more notable scratch in the right of the forend at the front of the checkering. The checkering is generally well defined, the most notable handling wear is in the bottom of the forend. The wood is generally very well fit to the metal, it is slightly shy at some edges, consistent with shrinkage from age. The LOP measures 12 3/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has mostly muted, going to a nickel-like appearance, with some minor oxidation. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Hardened

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore, mostly at the muzzle-end. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8 or 9 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 75% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is some scattered wear on the barrel and magazine tube, more notable on the magazine. The receiver has generally strong case color with muting in the handling areas. There are some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is infrequent minor surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine-Excellent condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger can be set by pressing forward until it clicks. The top of the receiver is mortised for a 1st Model "thumbprint" dust cover. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: A Winchester factory records letter is included, indicating that serial number 11512 was received in warehouse November 15, 1875 and shipped March 21, 1876 on order 5643 as a rifle with a 28" octagonal barrel, set trigger, XX checkered stock and casehardened receiver.

Our Assessment: The famous Winchester Model 1873 lever action repeating rifle, known as "the gun that won the West", had a steel frame that was much stronger than the brass framed Model 1866, allowing Winchester to move away from .44 rimfire and develop the powerful new .44-40 WCF round (Winchester’s first metallic centerfire cartridge), as well as a family of other new potent rounds, with Colt usually producing Single Action Army revolvers in the same calibers shortly after they were developed. The Model 1873 has an almost mythical status among firearms collectors, Old West enthusiasts, and fans of the Western film genre.

This example is a wonderful find for collectors due to its special-order features and condition. The rifle was ordered with a 28" barrel, a single set trigger, checkered stocks, and a case hardened receiver. Not content with these documented features, the rifle is drop-dead gorgeous, retaining 75% original finish, great mechanics, and a better bore than any 150 year old rifle has a right to. This is going to make a great addition to even an advanced collection. Please see our photos and good luck!