Winchester 1873 3rd Model 24″ Octagonal .32-20 WCF Lever Action Rifle 1882
SOLD FOR: $3,721.00
LSB#: LSB250824RD002
Make: Winchester
Model: 1873 Rifle Third Model Octagonal barrel rifle
Serial Number: 110160A
Year of Manufacture: 1882 / Antique
Caliber: .32-20 Winchester /.32-20 WCF
Action Type: Lever Action with Full Length Tubular Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER–REPEATING–ARMS–NEW HAVEN–CT / KINGS–IMPROVEMENT –PATENTED–MARCH 29, 1866 – OCTOBER 16, 1860”.The bottom of the brass follower is marked “.32 Cal.” The top of the barrel near the receiver is stamped “.32 Cal.” The Serial number “110160A” is stamped on the bottom tang and “—MODEL 1873—” is stamped on the top tang.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a buckhorn “V-notch” on an elevator dovetailed to the rear of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with banded forend, straight grip, straight comb, and Crescent buttplate. The stocks have heavy wear with significant scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches and loss of finish throughout. There is a significant chip out of the left side of the forearm about 6 inches long. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in Good condition as an antique.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: The finish on the rifle appears to be original but the rifle retains virtually none of its original finish. Most of the finish has turned to a brownish/plum patina.
Bore Condition: The bore is dark with significant pitting and erosion. The lands are worn but still visible. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 4/10 for a black-black powder era Antique.
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 almost none of its metal finish. All metal surfaces have turned to a brownish/plum patina throughout the barrel and receiver. The markings are all very faint. There are scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches with tool marks around some screw heads which show significant use. Overall, this rifle is in about Good condition as C&R.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including the half-cock safety notch. We have not fired this rifle. There is a lever lock on the lower tang, and a dust cover on the receiver that slides on a guide rail integral to the receiver typical of the Third Models. 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. 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 in .44-40, .38-40 and .32-20.
This is a genuine well-used example, serial number 110160A, and is a typical version of “The Gun that Won the West” that was a staple for plains settlers. The octagonal barrel rifle version is a highly desirable configuration. The rifle appears to have had a very useful life, with wear consistent with its age of 143 years. This is an honest gun in a desirable configuration and deserves a spot in a collection of lever action rifles next to its 1866, 1876, 1886, 1892 and 1894 cousins. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! – BF
