Winchester 1873 .32-20 24″ Half Octagon Button-Mag Lever Rifle 1889 Antique
SOLD FOR: $2,075.00
LSB#: LSB260412PC016
Make: Winchester
Model: 1873
Serial Number: 300616B
Year of Manufacture: 1889 / Antique
Caliber: .32-20 WCF
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Tubular Button-Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER’S-REPEATING-ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A. / -KING’S IMPROVEMENT PATENTED MARCH 29.1866. OCTOBER 16.1860.-” in front of the rear sight and “32 W.C.F.” at the rear. The lower tang is marked “300616B”. The upper tang is marked “MODEL. 1873.”. The bottom of the lifter is marked “32 CAL”.
Barrel Length: 24 ¼” Half Octagon Half Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a globe sight with a post, dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a Lyman No. 6 folding 2-leaf sight dovetailed to the barrel. The 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 stocks have scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. There is a crack on the right side of the wrist starting at the end of the tang. The LOP measures 12 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate is solid crescent plate even though there is a storage compartment underneath, in the buttstock. This was standard for .32 and .22 cal rifles as Winchester could not make a small enough cleaning rod. The stocks have been sanded and refinished. Overall, the stocks are in Good condition as Refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is somewhat bright and the rifling is defined where not interrupted by erosion. There is erosion and pitting throughout. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 30% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows evidence of heavy cleaning throughout. There is erosion and intermittent oxidation. There are several scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. Half-cock safety. The lever safety is present as is the lever-lock. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a Winchester Factory Letter which confirms: .32 Caliber, ½ Octagon barrel, Plain trigger, ½ Magazine, and a received and shipment date of July 1889.
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. The .44-40 Win. cartridge, also known as the .44 WCF, was introduced by Winchester in 1873 as Winchester’s first metallic centerfire cartridge with a number of WCF cartridges to follow including the .38-40. Colt produced single action revolvers chambered for the Winchester cartridges as well, allowing users to have a rifle and handgun which shared the same ammunition. The 1873 has a mythic status among both firearms enthusiasts and fans of the Old West in general, even inspiring the 1950 movie “Winchester ’73” starring Jimmy Stewart.
This Model 1873 Rifle was made in 1889 and looks like it served generations well and has honest wear consistent with more than a century of use. The rifle has wear consistent with its age and field use, but the mechanics are good and the bore is shootable. This particular example has highly desirable features such as a half octagon barrel and half “button” magazine. This would be a nice rifle to add to a Winchester collection missing the classic Model 1873. It would also be an excellent candidate for restoration. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.