Winchester 1873 3rd Model .32 WCF 28″ Special Order Lever Rifle ’83 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,110.00
LSB#: LSB251208RC003
Make: Winchester
Model: 1873 Third Model Rifle
Serial Number: 126920A
Year of Manufacture: 1883 / Antique
Caliber: .32-20 Winchester (.32 WCF)
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. / KINGS–IMPROVEMENT –PATENTED–MARCH 29, 1860 – OCTOBER 16, 1860”. The top of the barrel near the receiver is marked “.32 CAL”. The bottom of the brass lifter is marked “.32 Cal.”. The Serial number “126920A” is stamped on the bottom tang and “—MODEL 1873—” is stamped on the top tang.
Barrel Length: 28″ Octagonal, special order.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a German Silver blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a U-notch Full-buckhorn elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and crescent steel buttplate with no storage compartment for the cleaning rod (as was typical for .22 & .32 Calibers). There are scratches and compression marks throughout and a small chip out of the forearm. There are some deeper scratches and compression marks on the buttstock near the buttplate. There is a small crack emanating from the top of the buttplate. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in Fair condition as an antique.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is worn showing erosion. There is heavy pitting and corrosion throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 2/10 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 retains none of its metal finish. The balance has now turned to a mottled brown and silver patina on the receiver. The barrel and buttplate have developed a heavier patina and some oxidation. There are multiple scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches throughout the barrel, magazine tube and frame. The markings are clear but fading. Overall, this rifle is in about Fair condition as an antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. 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 typical of the Third Models. The tang safety is functional. 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 lever action rifle had its beginnings in the Volcanic Firearms Company and the later designs by Benjamin Tyler Henry. The Model 1873 boasted an iron (and later steel) frame that was much stronger than the brass frame Model 1866, allowing Winchester to move away from .44 rimfire and develop the powerful new .44-40 WCF cartridge, as well as a family of other new centerfire rounds, including .32-20 WCF. The Model 1873 will forever be known as the “Gun that Won the West” for its predominant role in the hands of Western settlers. This 1883 manufactured Third Model example represents later production refinements including the dust cover rail system and other mechanical improvements.
This example is notable for its special order 28 inch octagonal barrel, which was longer than standard production barrels and likely ordered for improved accuracy and sight radius. The rifle retains none of its original finish, with metal surfaces having developed a mottled brown patina along the receiver, barrel, magazine tube, and buttplate. The bore is heavily worn with significant pitting, corrosion, and erosion throughout, rating 2 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The walnut stocks are in Fair condition as an antique with scratches, compression marks, a small forearm chip, and a small crack beginning at the top of the buttplate. Markings remain visible though fading, and the crescent steel buttplate and traditional straight grip configuration remain consistent with period production.
Mechanically, the action functions correctly and the rifle retains its lever lock and sliding dust cover typical of Third Model 1873 rifles. We have not test fired the rifle. This antique 1883 production Model 1873 rifle represents an honest, heavily used example of a frontier-era Winchester. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!
BF/MA