Winchester 1873 3rd Model .38 WCF 24″ Octagonal Lever Action Rifle 1899 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,225.00

LSB#: LSB251016KS167

Make: Winchester

Model: 1873 Rifle 3rd Model

Serial Number: 537765B 

Year of Manufacture: 1899 / C&R ()

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–REPEATING–ARMS–NEW HAVEN–CT/ KINGS–IMPROVEMENT –PATENTED–MARCH 29, 1866 – OCTOBER 16, 1860”.  The brass lifter is marked “.38 Cal.”  and the top of the barrel is marked “.38 W.C.F.”  The top tang is marked “–MODEL 1873–” The Serial number “537765B” is marked on the lower tang.

Barrel Length: 24” Octagonal barrel

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” notch full buckhorn sight on an elevator ramp, dovetailed to the rear of the barrel.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with ,straight grip, straight comb, and crescent buttplate with a sliding door storage compartment for the cleaning rod. There is no cleaning rod in the buttstock.  There is a four-inch crack in the left side of the forearm.  There are smaller cracks on both sides of the wrist.  The buttstock has no remaining finish and is discolored around the crescent buttplate. The stocks have multiple scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches throughout.  The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has a mottled patina with no remaining finish.  Overall, the stocks are in Fair to Good condition as an antique.

Type of Finish: Blued, Case colored

Finish Originality: Original  

Bore Condition: The bore is Dark gray with heavy erosion and pitting showing throughout. The rifling shows wear with erosion present in the lands.  In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 4 out of 10 for a black powder Antique.

Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases, the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collectors’ firearms.

Overall Condition: This rifle only retains about 0% of its metal finish. Any remaining finish has turned to a brown patina on the barrel, magazine, receiver, dust cover and lever.  There is oxidation and rust colored patina forming on the sideplates, barrel and upper and lower tangs.  There are shallow scratches on the receiver side plates and barrel exterior. The screw heads show use but are still sharp. The markings are legible. Overall, this rifle is in Good condition as an antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. The hammer holds at the half-cock safety notch. There is a lever lock on the lower tang, and a dust cover on the receiver that slides on a guide rail integral to the receiver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories:  None  

Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1873 occupies a central place in American firearms history, often referred to as “The Gun That Won the West,” and this 3rd Model rifle manufactured in 1899 represents the culmination of that iconic design. By the late 19th century, the 1873 had become firmly entrenched as a working rifle across the American frontier, valued for its smooth lever action, durability, and compatibility with popular pistol cartridges. Chambered in .38-40 Winchester Center Fire, this rifle reflects a common pairing of the era, allowing users to share ammunition between lever action rifles and revolvers, a practical advantage in both frontier and rural settings.

This example presents as an honest, well used rifle that clearly lived a working life. The original metal finish has long since given way to a uniform brown patina with scattered oxidation, consistent with age, exposure, and black powder use. The wood shows significant wear, including visible cracks at the forearm and wrist and heavy handling marks throughout, all of which speak to decades of service rather than later restoration. The octagonal barrel, full length magazine, dust cover, and lever lock remain intact, preserving the classic configuration that defines the 1873 pattern.

From a historical perspective, this rifle stands as an authentic late production Model 1873 that has not been altered or refinished to obscure its past. While condition reflects age and hard use, the rifle remains mechanically functional and visually evocative of its era. As such, it should be appreciated as a true frontier era artifact rather than a high condition collector piece, offering tangible connection to the closing years of the 19th century and Winchester’s most celebrated lever action design. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and best of luck with your bids!!!

 BF