#00001 of 1,000 Winchester Model 1873 Heavy Gold .44-40 Lever Rifle, w/ Box
SOLD FOR: $5555
LSB#: 230111KB035
Make: Winchester
Model: 1873 Heavy Gold Limited Edition #00001 of 1,000
Serial Number: 00001ZR73G
Year of Manufacture: 2017
Caliber: .44-40 Winchester
Markings: The left shoulder of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER”, “Model 1873 – – Caliber 44-40 Win. ONLY”, and at the rear with a Winchester proof. The right shoulder of the barrel is marked “Made by Miroku – Japan – – Imported by BACO, Inc.-Morgan, Utah / Winchester is a registered trademark of Olin Corporation”. The bottom of the lifter is marked “Cal. 44-40 Win.”. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number. The top of the chamber ring is marked with the Winchester proof. This rifle is decorated with Grade IV engraving that shows floral scroll engraving at the front and rear shoulders of the barrel, the sides and top of the receiver, and the top of the dust cover. The sides of the receiver also show game scenes. The top rear of the barrel is also marked “One of One Thousand”.
Barrel Length: 24” Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade with a serrated rear face that is dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a semi-buckhorn U-notch elevator sight; it has been removed and filled with a blank dovetail but is included separately. The tang sight is an adjustable Marble’s peep sight with an interchangeable aperture. Also included is the Marbles sight box with additional apertures of different sizes. Please see the photos.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are checkered deluxe wood with a gold capped forearm, straight grip, straight comb, and checkered steel shotgun-style buttplate. The wood is immaculate. The wood to metal fit is about perfect; the wood is a bit proud at the frame. The LOP measures about 13 3/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate, which shows no significant wear. The stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue Barrel & Mag Tube, Gold Receiver, and Case Colored Lever & Hammer
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp and deep. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This gun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is no significant wear or damage, only very faint operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are very clear and prominent. Overall, this gun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and is very tight. We did not fire this gun. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This gun comes in its original serial matching box with a safety lock and the previously mentioned sights.
Our Assessment: The Model 1873 was one of the most successful Winchester rifles of its day, with Winchester marketing it as “The Gun That Won the West”. Still an icon in the modern day, it was manufactured between 1873 and 1923. It was originally chambered for the .44-40 cartridge, which was the first centerfire cartridge and which became immensely popular. The 1873 was later produced in .38-40 and .32-20, all of which later became popular handgun cartridges of the day, allowing users to carry just one type of ammunition. This is a beautiful limited edition Model 1873 Heavy Gold rifle manufactured by Miroku in Japan for Winchester. Miroku is known for producing quality and faithful reproductions of classic rifles for Winchester as well as Browning. What makes this rifle even more special is that it is the first of a limited production of one thousand made in 2017. The receiver is gold plated with gorgeous Grade IV engraving. This rifle is in about Excellent condition retaining about 99% finish. Please see our photos and good luck!
-Greenfield
