Winchester Model 1873 .32 WCF Lever Action Rifle, 24” Octagon 1919 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,428.00
LSB#: LSB250731EK038
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms Co.
Model: Model 1873 (Third Model)
Serial Number: 703862B
Year of Manufacture: 1919 (C&R; per George Madis, The Winchester Book, and Cody Firearms Museum factory records)
Caliber: .32 Winchester Center Fire (.32 WCF)
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Tubular Magazine
Barrel Length: 24″ Full Octagon Barrel
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “32 WCF.” The upper tang is marked “MODEL 1873 – WINCHESTER – TRADE MARK REG. U.S. PAT. OFF.” The bottom tang is marked with the serial number “703862B.” The brass cartridge elevator is marked “32 CAL.”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is a semi-buckhorn elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece straight-grain walnut with a straight grip and crescent steel buttplate. The wood fits tightly and shows moderate handling marks consistent with honest use. There is a roughly 2″ surface crack near the toe of the butt on the right side, and one of the top tang screws has been replaced. The finish has thinned with age but retains a pleasing natural tone. The wood rates in about Good-Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Originally blued, now showing a uniform aged brown patina.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with defined rifling and scattered oxidation. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains approximately 40–45% of its metal finish. The surfaces show a mottled plum-brown patina and scattered oxidation, most visible along the barrel flats and magazine tube. The receiver shows smooth wear and light freckling along the sides and tangs. The rifle is missing its dust cover. The screw heads range from lightly worn to serviceable, with one top tang screw replaced. The markings remain clear and legible throughout. The overall condition rates in about Good condition for its age.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and cycles smoothly. The lever locks up firmly, and the hammer cocks and releases properly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment:
The Winchester Model 1873 is among the most storied firearms in American arms history, earning its title as “The Gun that Won the West.” Introduced in 1873 and produced until 1923, it marked the height of Winchester’s toggle-link lever-action design and accompanied generations of settlers, ranchers, and marksmen through the frontier era and into the early 20th century.
The .32 Winchester Center Fire cartridge, introduced in 1882, offered mild recoil and efficient performance for small game and target use. Its accuracy and economy made it a mainstay among rural shooters long after its introduction.
This example, produced in 1919, is a true late-production Third Model featuring the integral dust cover rail and “B” suffix serial. Though the dust cover is missing and a top tang screw replaced, the rifle remains mechanically solid and aesthetically appealing, with a stable 2″ surface crack near the toe that does not detract from its overall presentation. With about 40–45% original finish and honest frontier character, this Model 1873 represents one of the final iterations of Winchester’s black powder–era lever rifle, bridging the transition into the smokeless age.
We are no longer offering layaway. KF
