Winchester 1873 3rd Model 24” .38 WCF Lever Action Rifle, 1883 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,250.00
LSB#: LSB250526FG005
Make: Winchester
Model: 1873
Serial Number: 132108A
Year of Manufacture: 1883
Caliber: .38-40 Winchester (.38 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 “.38 – CAL.” at the rear. The lower tang is marked “132108A”. The upper tang is marked “Model. 1873”.
Barrel Length: 24?, Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch elevator sight dovetailed and screwed to the barrel.
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 (nothing in the compartment). The stocks have been sanded and refinished. The wood fits shy to the metal. There are filled repairs at the heel and around the buttstock near the buttplate. There are scratches, compressions, and nicks throughout. There is a crack in the bottom of the forend at the cap. There is a crude arrow carved in the right side of the buttstock. There are cracks around the wrist. 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 erosion. Overall, the stocks are in Fair condition as refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark. There is mild to heavy erosion throughout. The rifling is defined where not interrupted by erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates a 3 or 4 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about none of its metal finish. Most of the finish has worn to white or has been scrubbed. There is intermittent oxidation throughout and scattered dings. There is remaining erosion throughout the metal and bolt. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The dust cover is removed. The markings are generally obscure to clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Fair 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. alongside other Winchester lever guns.
This 3rd Model rifle shows its age honestly, with the majority of the finish gone, a dark and heavily worn bore, and stock repairs including cracks, filled areas, and even a crudely carved arrow in the buttstock. While its condition is far from collector-grade, the action remains functional, and the rifle still retains the unmistakable character of a well-used frontier arm. Even in this worn state, it represents a tangible piece of 19th-century American history. For collectors of antique Winchesters, this rifle tells the story of hard service and use, making it an evocative display piece and a genuine survivor from the Old West era. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
