Winchester 1873 3rd Model 24” .38-40 WCF Lever Action Rifle, 1894 Antique
SOLD FOR: $2,975.00
LSB#: LSB250601SP148
Make: Winchester
Model: 1873
Serial Number: 477324B
Year of Manufacture: 1894
Caliber: .38-40 (Winchester Center Fire)
Action Type: Lever Action with Full-Length Tubular Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. / -KING’S IMPROVEMENT PATENTED MARCH 29.1866. OCTOBER 16. 1860-” and at the receiver with “38 W.C.F.”. The upper tang is marked “-MODEL. 1873-”. The bottom tang is marked “477324B”.
Barrel Length: 24”, Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a V-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. The upper tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and crescent steel buttplate with a sliding door for a storage compartment. The compartment houses a 4-piece cleaning rod. The stocks have scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches throughout. There are minor losses along the edges. There is a small crack on the left side of the buttstock at the buttplate. The LOP measures 12 3/4? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has worn to white and gone to a light patina with scattered erosion and oxidation. Overall, the stocks are in Good condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is minor erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 35% of its current metal finish. The balance of the finish has thinning along the leading edges, mottled patina and intermittent oxidation. There is finish loss on the tangs. There is faint case color in the hammer. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety. 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: This 1894-dated Winchester Model 1873 Third Model rifle in .38-40 WCF is a solid example of a historic frontier-era firearm. The .32-20 was a popular cartridge in its day, offering a relatively mild recoil and sufficient accuracy for small game hunting and target shooting—making this variant a favorite among ranchers, homesteaders, and young marksmen.
This particular rifle shows evidence of long service with its refinished metal, scattered pitting, and honest wear, but its mechanical integrity remains intact. The action is still functional, the markings are clear, and the 24” octagonal barrel adds to its classic presentation. This antique Winchester has undeniable character and would make a meaningful addition to any collection, whether as a display piece, restoration candidate, or functional shooter for vintage cartridge enthusiasts. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
