Winchester 1873 First Model .44-40 WCF 24” Lever Action Rifle, 1876 Antique
SOLD FOR: $3,413.00
LSB#: LSB250601SP146
Make: Winchester
Model: 1873 First Model
Serial Number: 21976
Year of Manufacture: 1876, Antique
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. The lower tang is marked “21976”. The upper tang is marked “MODEL. 1873”.
Barrel Length: 24” Nominal. 24 1/4? Measured, Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Lyman white dot blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. The top 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 steel crescent buttplate with sliding-door storage compartment (There is a 4-piece cleaning rod in the compartment). The stocks have a few light nicks and scratches. There are two small cracks in the forend. 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 Fine condition as refinished Antique. This is a First Model 1873 with dust cover 5/8 inch fine checkered “Thumbprint” grip and retention screw with no guide rail.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light erosion scattered about the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 20% of its metal finish. There is some scattered wear on the magazine tube with the worn areas going to a light patina. There is more notable finish wear on the receiver, giving it a mottled appearance. There are scattered spots of surface oxidation. There are some nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are generally clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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 darned good shape for its age. This would make a nice addition to a Winchester or early cartridge rifle collection, and will display well alongside other Winchester lever guns. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.
