Winchester 1873 3rd Model .44-40 WCF Lever Action Rifle 1887 Antique

SOLD FOR $1,800.00

LSB#: LSB260430CF002

Make: Winchester

Model: 1873 Rifle Third Model

Serial Number: 243755B

Year of Manufacture: 1887 Antique

Caliber: .44-40 Winchester (.44 Winchester Center Fire)

Action Type: Lever Action with Tubular Magazine

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CT. / KING’S – IMPROVEMENT – PATENTED – MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16 1860”. The lower tang is marked “243755B”. The bottom of the carrier markings are very faint. The initials “TM” are stamped on various places throughout.

Barrel Length: 24” Octagonal Barrel

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a spring leaf semi buckhorn with elevator dovetailed into the barrel.  The upper tang is drilled and tapped for a peep sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and crescent buttplate with a sliding door in front of a storage compartment in the butt (compartment is empty). The LOP is 13″ from trigger to buttplate. The stocks have been refinished. There are sanding marks throughout. There are spots where the metal is proud. There is iron staining. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There are no major structural cracks. Overall this stock is in Good condition as refinished. 

Type of Finish: Blued 

Finish Originality: Cold Blued

Bore Condition: The bore is dark. The rifling is defined. There is extensive erosion and pitting throughout. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 5/10. 

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 about 50% of its current metal finish. This rifle has been buffed, scrubbed, and swabbed with cold blue. There is uneven application of the finish. There is some pitting. There are nicks and scratches. The screw heads are tooled but serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Poor condition due to bore condition and mechanics. 

Mechanics: The action does not function correctly. The firing pin is seized. The dust cover does not work correctly and will stick the bolt if you attempt to use. 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 Winchester Model 1873 is one of the most celebrated lever-action rifles of the American frontier, combining Winchester’s toggle-link action with practical centerfire cartridges suited to both rifles and revolvers. Chambered in .44-40 W.C.F., the original and most iconic Model 1873 cartridge, this 1887-production Third Model rifle has the desirable sporting configuration with a 24″ octagon barrel, full-length tubular magazine, straight-grip walnut stocks, and crescent buttplate. Its date, chambering, and classic configuration give it strong historical interest despite its altered finish and mechanical deficiencies.

This rifle retains approximately 50% of its current cold-blue finish after having been buffed, scrubbed, and refinished, with uneven coloration, scattered pitting, scratches, and nicks throughout. The walnut stocks have also been refinished and show sanding marks, iron staining, dents, scratches, and areas where the metal stands proud of the wood, though no major structural cracks are noted. The bore is dark with extensive erosion and pitting, but the rifling remains defined and rates 5/10. The action does not function correctly due to a seized firing pin, and the malfunctioning dust cover may bind the bolt, placing the rifle in Poor overall condition. Nevertheless, it remains a visually recognizable antique Winchester with substantial appeal as a restoration project, display piece, or representative example of the famous Model 1873. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! Please see our photos and good luck on your bids! MF