Winchester 1873 3rd Model 24” .32-20 WCF Lever Action Rifle, 1884 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,161.00
LSB#: WY250207JS004
Make: Winchester
Model: 1873
Serial Number: 155031A
Year of Manufacture: 1884
Caliber: .32-20 Winchester (32 Winchester Center Fire)
Action Type: Lever Action with Full Length Tubular Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER’S-REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN, CT. / KING’S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29.1866. OCTOBER 16.1860.” in front of the rear sight and “32 CAL.” at the rear. The bottom of the lifter is marked “32 CAL.”. The lower tang is marked “155031A”. The upper tang is marked “Model. 1873”.
Barrel Length: 24”, Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a German silver blade in a slotted base dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch semi-buckhorn elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and steel crescent buttplate. The buttstock has a storage compartment but the buttplate is solid with no door and covers the compartment. The buttplate is not original to the gun. The stocks have a few light nicks and scratches. There are a few dark marks under the finish. There is a small crack on the right bottom corner of the wrist. The LOP measures 12 7/8? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered wear and some light oxidation and erosion. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is somewhat bright but exhibits erosion throughout ranging from light to heavy. The rifling is very shallow with little present in some places. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 2/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 15% of its metal finish. Most of the metal has worn to white and taken to a mottled patina. There are scattered spots of surface oxidation. There are some nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are heavy tool marks around the front sight and around the rear flanks of the receiver. There is scattered erosion about the frame. There is prominent erosion at the muzzle, lever, and most of the length of the magtube. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are generally clear. Some of the screws have been replaced. Overall, this rifle is in about Fair-Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a dust cover on a rail on the receiver, typical of the Third Models. 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: None.
Our Assessment: One of the most successful, and certainly one of the most famous Winchester rifles was the Winchester Model 1873, known as “The Gun that Won the West” for its predominant role in the hands of Western settlers. The Model 1873 had a steel frame that was much stronger than the brass framed Model 1866, allowing Winchester to develop a family of powerful new cartridges, with Colt usually producing Single Action Army revolvers in the same calibers shortly after they were developed. This example is a rifle that is in decent shape for its age but retains a worn and weathered look – better than most antiques floating around. It retains mechanics which are still strong and serviceable. This would make a nice addition to a Winchester or early cartridge rifle collection, and will display well alongside other Winchester lever guns. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.
