Nice Antique Winchester 1873 Musket Made in 1894

Winchester 3rd Model 1873 Musket with Standard 30" Barrel, Sling Swivels, Military Sights, and Sling Swivels. Serial Number is in the 481,000 range and made in 1894. These muskets were only 5% of production for this model compared to the Sporting Rifles (approx. 60%) and Saddle Ring Carbines (approx 35%). Winchester tended to produce these muskets in batches for large foreign orders and the majority show up in three blocks; the 370,000 range, 480,000 range, and the 570,000 range. Most of the ones you see today were shipped back to the United States from Nicaragua in the 1950's and range from fair/good condition all the way up to nearly minty and unfired. The last ones in the 570,000 range are usually the best examples as many were still in the original factory shipping crates when discovered. In contrast, the antique ones in the earlier two blocks tend to show the most wear but there are exceptions and this is clearly one of them as it is still in NRA Antique Excellent Condition. It was clearly issued but saw very little usage compared to most from the 1890's production. Overall, it retains 90% bright original blue on the frame that is mixing with some brown age freckles. Dust cover has nearly all of its original blue. Even the belly of the receiver still has most of its bright shiny blue where it would normally be worn from carry wear. Brass Loading block has aged to a perfect butterscotch patina with a crisp .44 CAL and no dings. The hammer still exhibits strong case colors with the decorative Victorian era dipped border in the checkering. The lever is more dark with mottled colors and patina that ranged from grey to brown. Loading Port still shows 95% brilliant nitre blue. The barrel has 90% of its original factory rust blued finish that is mixing with patina and beginning to plum. You can see on the end of the barrel a little wear where it had a bayonet attached long ago. Barrel bands also show strong original blue and would benefit from some careful cleaning as I believe some of the blue is just covered with an old layer of grease that's saturated with dirt. Original rear sights include the tall block front sight for the bayonet and the military ladder rear sight. Screws are all in very good condition. The wood is in Fine Condition overal retaining nearly all of its original factory oiled finish. No chips, cracks, or repairs. Wood to metal fit is still factory perfect with the wood slightly proud of the metal. Numerous small dings and marks from military handling. The mechanics action is smooth and precise...feels like new and the firing pin indexes and lever snaps up like it should. In fact, most of the original blue is still on the back of the firing pin and the top of the bolt...this wasn't used much. The bore is minty...bright and shiny with nice lands and grooves...no pitting. If you're looking for a nice 1873 Musket to complete your collection, here is a nice one that won't cost you $6,000-8,000, and best of all this one is an antique! The last one I sold like this one (also an antique but a little better) I recently saw on a dealer's table at a show for $7,500. Henry Rifle Winchester Model 1866, 1876, 1886, 1892, 1894, 1895, 1885 Hiwall Musket. This is A LOT of Winchester for the money!
Antique, No FFL required under Federal Law.

Item# i522

$5,195