Winchester Model 1873 .38 WCF 28″ Lever Action Rifle 1886 Antique

SOLD FOR: $2,036.70

LSB#: LSB260611FA003

Make: Winchester

Model: 1873 

Serial Number: 207916

Year of Manufacture: 1886 Antique

Caliber: 38 WCF, 38-40

Action Type: Lever Action Rifle w/ Full Length Mag Tube

Barrel Length: 28″ Octagon

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

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is two piece smooth walnut, capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, with crescent steel trapdoor buttplate. The LOP is 13 1/4″ from trigger to buttplate. There has been finish added at some point. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There is some scattered iron staining. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this stock is in Good condition as refinished. 

Type of Finish: Blued 

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright. The rifling is defined. There is erosion and pitting throughout. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 6/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 5% of its original metal finish. Most of the bluing has worn to brown patina with corrosion. There are scratches with corrosion staining throughout. There is some bluing remaining in protected areas. There are nicks and tool marks scattered throughout. The screw heads are tooled but serviceable. The markings are legible. Overall this rifle is in Good condition as antique. 

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: Records search from Cody Firearms Museum. Mesquite display block with oar locks.

Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1873 is one of the defining American lever-action rifles of the late 19th century and remains closely associated with the western expansion era. Originally introduced in .44 WCF, Winchester added the .38 WCF chambering in 1879, broadening the rifle’s appeal as a sporting and utility arm. Serial number 207916 falls within 1886 production, between the recorded 1885 endpoint of 196221 and the 1886 endpoint of 222937. This rifle is also a Third Model, as serial numbers above approximately 90000 use the integral dust-cover rail machined into the receiver. The standard sporting rifle was ordinarily fitted with a 24″ barrel, making the 28″ octagonal barrel a special-order-length configuration, confirmed by the included Cody Firearms Museum records search. Winchester collector survey data confirms documented 28″ Model 1873 rifles in .38 WCF, though they represent only a small portion of surviving sporting rifles.

This example retains about 5% of its original metal finish, with most of the blue worn to brown patina accompanied by corrosion staining, scratches, nicks, and scattered tool marks. The walnut furniture has received additional finish and shows scratches, compression dents, and scattered iron staining but remains free of chips and cracks. The semi-bright bore retains defined rifling with erosion and pitting throughout and rates 6/10. The action functions correctly. With its antique 1886 manufacture, .38 WCF chambering, full-length magazine, and special order 28″ octagonal barrel, this remains an interesting Model 1873 Sporting Rifle that will make a fine addition to any Winchester Collection. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! MF