Winchester 1873 3rd Model 20” .44-40 WCF Lever Action Rifle, 1884 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,644.00
LSB#: WY250403JM003
Make: Winchester
Model: 1873
Serial Number: 178092B
Year of Manufacture: 1884
Caliber: .44-40 Winchester (44 Winchester Center Fire)
Action Type: Lever Action with Full Length Tubular Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER’S-REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN, CT. / KING’S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29.1866. OCTOBER 16.1860.” in front of the rear sight and “44 CAL” at the rear. The bottom of the lifter is marked “44 CAL.”. The lower tang is marked “178092B”. The upper tang is marked “MODEL 1873”.
Barrel Length: 20”, Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade in a slotted base dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a u notch sight with elevation screw, dovetailed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with banded forend, straight grip, straight comb and steel crescent buttplate with a sliding brass door for a storage compartment. There are no notable cracks, but there are a few deep nicks, and general scratches and scuffs throughout. The LOP measures 12 3/4? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered wear and some light oxidation. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dull and the rifling is defined. There is erosion throughout. There is a bulge at the mid length of the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 20% of its metal finish. There are scattered spots of surface oxidation, mottled patina, and corrosion. Most of the finish has worn to white. There are some nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from tool marked with strong slots to sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Fair- Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly for the most part. The lifter gate and lever get stock every once in a while and the lever is fairly loose and does not seat against the bottom tang. There is a dust cover on a rail on the receiver, typical of the Third Models. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: One of the most successful, and certainly one of the most famous Winchester rifles was the Winchester Model 1873, known as “The Gun that Won the West” for its predominant role in the hands of Western settlers. The Model 1873 had a steel frame that was much stronger than the brass framed Model 1866, allowing Winchester to develop a family of powerful new cartridges, with Colt usually producing Single Action Army revolvers in the same calibers shortly after they were developed. The .44-40 Win. cartridge was one of the most popular cartridges of the era, able to take game as large as deer. This example is a rifle which is in pretty decent shape for its age. It retains some of its original metal finish, and the mechanics, though a bit finicky – still functional. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.
