Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle - 238

Originally manufactured in 1886, this Winchester Model 1873 rifle shows attractive and very interesting period upgrades and embellishment, evoking the styles of an earlier period when American long rifles and half stock rifles ruled the frontier. During its period of use, the rifle was fitted with a heavy barrel that has a short octagonal section at the breech. The buttstock has been custom shaped, very much in line with those seen on the previously mentioned rifles, and has extensive, lightly engraved German silver mounts including an alligator, birds, and a stag head. There is a German silver patchbox on the right, a small cap box and cheekpiece on the left, and a lightly engraved long rifle type buttplate and toe plate. The barrel has no visible markings, and the bottom of the cartridge elevator is marked "44 CAL", with the serial number on the lower tang. It is fitted with a low German silver blade front sight and a notch rear sight in a dovetail on the octagonal section of the barrel. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and nicely figured straight grip stock with the previously mentioned mounts and cheekpiece, as well as a deep crescent buttplate.

Condition: Very good as period customized, retains traces of period refinished blue mixed with dark grey and brown patina, some scattered light pitting, minor vise marks on the magazine tube, and mostly bright German silver. The wood is good with a few chips/slivers absent, a re-glued semi-circular crack visible at the rear of the tang, and typical minor handling marks. A very interesting Winchester Model 1873 rifle with both unique and attractive "old west" period customizations.