Winchester 1873 3rd Model 24” .44-40 WCF Lever Action Rifle, 1896 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,401.00
LSB#: LSB250518JG018
Make: Winchester
Model: 1873
Serial Number: 499495B
Year of Manufacture: 1896
Caliber: .40-40 WCF (Winchester Center Fire)
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. / KING’S IMPROVEMENT PATENTED MARCH 29.1886. OCTOBER 16. 1860-” and at the receiver with “44 W.C.F.”. The upper tang is marked “-MODEL 1873-”. The bottom tang is marked “499495B”. The bottom of the lifter is marked “44 CAL.”.
Barrel Length: 24″, Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed and screw set to the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. The upper 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 crescent steel buttplate with sliding door for storage compartment. The stocks have scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. There is a large loss on the bottom of the forend. There are a series of notches on the right side of the forend at the top. There are small losses on each side of the bottom of the wrist at the receiver. The LOP measures 12 3/4? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has gone to a light patina with scattered erosion. Overall, the stocks are in Fair condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no notable erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10. The barrel has been sleeved.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about none of its metal finish. There is a little weak case color visible on the interior of the receiver when the action is opened and on the portions of the lever concealed when the action is closed. Most remaining finish is along the top of the magazine tube with a little along the bottom of the barrel. Otherwise, the surfaces have worn to white or gone to a light patina. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is scattered light erosion. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock notch. 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: The Winchester Model 1873 is often referred to as “The Gun That Won the West,” and with good reason. It became an iconic piece of American frontier history thanks to its rugged reliability, distinctive design, and chambering in cartridges that matched revolvers of the same era. This example is a Third Model, manufactured in 1896, and chambered in the classic .44-40 WCF, a cartridge synonymous with cowboy lore.
While the rifle has seen its share of honest use, it remains a compelling example with a very strong action and sharp, bright bore—a rare find in a rifle this age. Of particular note is the professionally sleeved barrel, which allows the gun to retain superb shootability while maintaining its original exterior. The wood shows frontier-era character with notches, wear, and field repairs that only add to its authentic charm. Mechanically solid and visually evocative, this antique 1873 would make an excellent addition to any historical collection, or even serve as a capable shooter for those wanting to experience black powder or cowboy loads in a genuine 19th-century lever gun. A true piece of American history. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
