Winchester Model 1873 .22 SHORT Lever Action Rifle Manufactured 1890

Make: Winchester
Model: 1873 – .22 Short
Year of Manufacture: 1890
Caliber: .22 SHORT!
Markings: The barrel is marked “Winchester’s Repeating Arms New Haven Conn. U.S.A. / King’s Improvement Patented March 29 1866 October 16 1860” and “22 short”. The upper tang is marked “Model 1873”, the lower tang is marked “333491B”. The bottom of the carrier is marked “22 Cal / Short”.
Overall Condition: This gun retains about 70% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows primarily poor storage. The vast majority of the original finish is retained and a layer of surface rust has formed over. This surface rust has frosted the metal in several places, but there is no severe pitting. The edges are sharp and any loss of finish has been replaced by a nice pleasing patina. The upper tang finish has thinned. The right side plate around the screw is a bit battered though finish still remains over this wear. The screw heads are generally very sharp, with the slide plate screw showing the most wear. The markings are crisp. Overall, this gun rates in about fine – excellent condition.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This gun comes with a factory letter confirming all features including octagonal barrel, plain trigger and dates of manufacture and shipping (1890) .
Our Assessment: This is amongst the rarest of the rare Winchesters. They made fewer 1873’s in .22 than any other caliber (and this is a .22 short), and this was the first model Winchester ever made in .22. The gun is exceptional, both in condition and rarity, and is probably the only thing missing from several extensive Winchester collections. This is a rare find and to obtain one in this condition is even more of a needle in the haystack search. This particular gun has never been available for sale before. You can’t go wrong with this one! If you are a Winchester collector or aficionado you will not let this rifle get away.
Sold For: $4,025