Uberti 1873 Engraved John Wayne Tribute 19” Carbine .45 Colt Lever Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,052.00
LSB#: LSB250804MF148
Make: Uberti
Model: 1873 Limited Edition #JW-1490 out of 3500
Serial Number: W43745
Year of Manufacture: 1981/ Modern
Caliber: .45 Colt
Markings: The top of the barrel is stamped “TAYLOR’S & CO. WINCHESTER VA–A.UBERTI ITALY”. The barrel near the chamber is marked “.45 COLT”. The left side of the barrel has John Wayne’s signature in Gold lettering. The bottom front of the receiver is engraved “JW_1490” in gold lettering. The bottom of the lifter shows a caricature of the “DUKE”. Behind the lifter the engraver has stamped “A&A ENGRAVING INC., Rapid City S.D.” / “AMERICA REMEMBERS / AHL INC. ASHLAND, VA.” and the Catalog number “CAT 4721”. The bottom tang is marked “A.UBERTI ITALY” and the serial number “W43745”. The upper tang is stamped “Model 1873” with a Red River “D” brand in gold.
Engraving: The rifle receiver is fully engraved and beautifully finished in detailed scroll work, borders and gold overlays. The receiver is blued with gold overlays on the left side of a wagon train scene with John Wayne riding front and center and the Duke leading a Cavalry procession on the right with a “JOHN WAYNE” banner above. There is a gold medallion embedded into the left side of the buttstock with John Wayne’s bust and “JOHN WAYNE – AMERICAN”. There is a “Red River D” brand in gold on the upper tang.
Action Type: Lever Action, Tubular Magazine Fed
Barrel Length: 19” Round Barrel
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Gold blade attached to the barrel with a carbine barrel band. The rear sight is an adjustable ladder elevation sight marked from 2-9.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece Deluxe checkered with a banded forearm, straight wrist, straight comb, and Carbine-style buttplate. There are very few signs of handling wear on the stocks. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks are in Excellent condition with no handling wear. The checkering is crisp and the peaks are sharp.
Type of Finish: Blued barrel, Receiver, Lever and Buttplate with Gold Hammer, Trigger and Barrel bands.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well defined. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish on both the blued and gold-plated area. The balance of the finish shows little or no operation wear. The action shows almost no visible usage. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp. The hammer is case colored and the dust cover is blued. Overall, this rifle is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. There is a lever lock on the lower tang. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The John Wayne Tribute 1873 Rifle is a limited-edition, fully functional commemorative firearm honoring the legacy of the legendary American actor. Built by A. Uberti on the iconic Model 1873 platform and chambered in .45 Long Colt, it features deep blue mirror-polished metalwork, 24-karat gold inlays, and finely checkered walnut stocks. Each Tribute rifle is decorated by craftsmen specifically commissioned by America Remembers, showcasing detailed Western scenes, John Wayne’s signature, and a gold-plated medallion bearing his portrait. With only 3,500 produced, this rifle is a stunning collector’s piece that blends historical firearm craftsmanship with a powerful tribute to a cultural icon.
What truly sets this tribute rifle apart is its extraordinary visual presentation. Every metal surface of the firearm has been finished in a deep, mirror-polished bluing, while the receiver is richly adorned with 24-karat gold inlay and scroll engraving in the style of traditional presentation-grade firearms. On the left side of the barrel is John Wayne’s signature, while the stock is fitted with a striking gold-plated medallion bearing his likeness and the words “John Wayne – American.” The rifle is not merely decorative, but immersive; it tells a story through its visuals. One side of the receiver showcases a scene of Wayne leading the U.S. Cavalry through the iconic terrain of Monument Valley, a staple setting in many of his classic Westerns. The other side captures a moment from the painting Under Attack by Frank McCarthy, depicting Wayne as a determined wagon train scout. These illustrations are more than embellishments—they are visual tributes to Wayne’s most memorable roles and the spirit of American perseverance he personified.
The original 1873 Winchester, often referred to as “The Gun that Won the West,” was celebrated for its reliability and widespread use during the late 19th century. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a competitive shooter, or a collector, the Uberti 1873 Deluxe Carbine offers a combination of historical authenticity, modern craftsmanship, and shooting pleasure that makes it a standout piece in any collection. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and the detailed engraving and good luck on your bid! –
BF
