Winchester 1873 3rd Model 30” .32-20 WCF Lever Action Rifle, 1897 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,345.00
LSB#: LSB250731EK008
Make: Winchester
Model: 1873
Serial Number: 507874B
Year of Manufacture: 1897 / Antique
Caliber: .32-20 (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 “32 W.C.F.”. The upper tang is marked “-MODEL 1873-”. The bottom tang is marked “507874B”.
Barrel Length: 30”, Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a resin blade set between a base, dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch elevator sight with fine elevation adjustment, 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 crescent steel buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. There are minor losses along the edges. There is a deep compression line on the left side of the buttstock that has begun to form a crack. The LOP measures 12 5/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has gone to a light patina with scattered erosion and corrosion. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is dull with defined rifling. There is light to mild erosion down the length of the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 75% of its current metal finish. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is scattered light erosion and corrosion that has been blued over. There is some rust concentrated around the front sight. 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 refinished 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 1897-dated Winchester Model 1873 Third Model rifle in .32-20 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 30” octagonal barrel adds to its classic presentation. While the bore shows erosion, the defined rifling suggests that it may still be usable with proper black powder or low-pressure handloads. 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.
