This is a nice, untouched 100% original Winchester 1873 Rifle that came right out of Macon, GA. It even still has the original 4-piece cleaning rods in the buttstock which can be accessed by a sliding brass trapdoor. Typical of most Southern-shipped Winchester Model 1873s, it's in 38-40. You'll also see 32-20 down here from time to time too, but almost never a 44-40. Granted, this was the post-Civil War South and I suspect it was frowned upon sending larger calibers to the populace even in 1890. Incidentally, 38-40 called 38 WCF back in the day is actually .40 caliber while 44-40 is .427.Characteristic of the warm, slightly humid climate of the South, the metal has developed a nice, deep rich brown patina with original blue in the protected areas and mixing through some of the flats on the receiver. This rifle still has most of its original varnish on the walnut stocks that darkened over many years to an almost deep reddish brown mahogany tone. Really pretty to find a rifle like this that's never been cleaned and you can tell where it spent most of its life simply by looking at it. When you see one of these from out West, the metal typically will have a lighter patina and the wood lighter with more open grain from less humidity. Mother Nature paints things with a different brush and it you appreciate the age and patina, then you'll love this rifle. It's the perfect Winchester to hang on the wall: a piece of art!
The configuration is a standard sporting rifle configuration in caliber 38 WCF with 24" octagon barrel, full magazine, and crescent rifle buttplate w/ trapdoor. Serial number is in the 326,000 range. Made in 1890 which was one of Winchester's highest production years for the Model 1873. Nice markings throughout which are caked from 135 years of time. All the markings are original and correct which include the 2-line barrel address with Henry's 1860 and King's 1866 Improvement patents. Barrel breech is marked "38 W.C.F." along with "38 CAL" across the width of the bronze loading block that has a really great deep butterscotch latticed patina. Awesome! Upper tang shows the standard Winchester marking "MODEL 1873" bracketed by two fleurs-de-lis. Hammer shows the proper rectangular border knurled (checkered) pattern which is right at the end before they went to the more Victorian-border with the dip on the top edge.
Original Rear sight is the semi-buckhorn which came as standard equipment and standard front sight with German Silver blade. Original sliding dust cover. The original 4-piece cleaning rods are the real deal, not repros with the brass tip. They are dirty and uncleaned and worth about $600 on their own. Please bear in mind that the value of these rods is reflected in the price just as when we bought it. They're part of the deal and if I find a Winchester with original rods, I will not separate them as they've been together for well over a century since new. Overall condition grades to NRA Antique Very Good Plus with brown patina with 10-15% original blue on receiver mainly in protected areas around the side-plates, receiver flares, lower tang, around the hammer, but a little bit on the flats especially towards the back of the frame. Barrel and magazine tube are like the frame...mostly patina with original blue in protected areas mainly on the bottom flat and the top of the tube. The original walnut wood is in Very Good + condition with attractive deep reddish brown hues with 75% original varnish intact on the stock and fore-end. Overall, it shows numerous handling marks and has never been cleaned or finish added. Wood-to-metal fit is perfect with no chips, cracks, or repairs. Very good action. It has a Fine Bore with strong lands and grooves with no rings or bulges and still bright. All in all, a very solid Model 1873 that has a great look. Antique, Pre-1898 Production. No FFL required according to Federal Law. Some State and City Laws may vary. Buyer must be at least 18 years of age.
Item# i468
$2,850 including Original Cleaning Rods
|
