Winchester ~ 1873 ~ .38 Caliber

This Winchester model 1873 lever-action rifle is chambered in .38 Caliber. Manufactured in 1883, this is a fine example of a special ordered Winchester Model 1873 rifle. These Model 1873 rifles were extremely popular with anyone turning their gaze westward, in large part because they were chambered in many of the same calibers as Colt's Single Action Army revolver. Together, these two iconic firearms formed arguably the most legendary duo of the American frontier, with both remaining highly collectible to this day. The included factory letter with this example lists the rifle in .38 caliber with an octagon barrel, plain trigger, and half magazine when received at the warehouse on 11 January 1883, and shipped the next day with five other arms in order number 1984. The receiver is the Third Model type. The top barrel flat is marked with the two-line address and King's patent, while the caliber marking is at the breech and repeated on the bottom of the cartridge elevator. The model marking is on the upper tang, and the serial number is on the lower tang. The left side of the lower tang is marked "812 S" (confirming the shotgun butt, though not listed in the letter), with "812" repeating in the stock inlet (faint) and inside the buttplate. It is fitted with a set of "sporting" sights featuring a No. 21 German silver blade front sight and an elevation adjustable No. 22 notch rear sight, with the early pattern checkering on the sides. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a smooth steel shotgun buttplate. Fine, retains 60% plus of the original blue finish, traces of the original case colors on the hammer and lever, and 50% of the original nitre blue on the loading gate with the balance having thinned to mostly brown patina, a few small patches of light pitting, and some scattered light surface freckling. The wood is also fine with some scattered light scratches and dings. Mechanically excellent.