Winchester 1873 3rd Model 26” .32-20 WCF Lever Action Rifle, 1894 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,025.00
LSB#: LSB250520JB015
Make: Winchester
Model: 1873
Serial Number: 446850B
Year of Manufacture: 1894
Caliber: .32-20 (Winchester Center Fire)
Action Type: Lever Action with 3/4-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 29.1866. OCTOBER 16. 1860-” and at the receiver with “32 W.C.F.”. The upper tang is marked “-MODEL 1873-”. The bottom tang is marked “446850B”.
Barrel Length: 26”, Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square-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. The stocks have scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. There are minor losses along the edges. There is a minor crack on the bottom of the forend at the receiver and another at the end of the upper tang. There is a small crack on the left side of the buttstock at the buttplate. 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 Very Good condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is defined where not interrupted by erosion. There is mild to modest erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 20% of its current metal finish. The magtube band dovetail has been filled with a blank. 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. There are heavy dents and patches of erosion and pitting. 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 Fair condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety. 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: This 1894-dated Winchester Model 1873 Third Model rifle in .32-20 WCF is a solid example of a historic frontier-era firearm. The .32-20 was a popular cartridge in its day, offering a relatively mild recoil and sufficient accuracy for small game hunting and target shooting—making this variant a favorite among ranchers, homesteaders, and young marksmen.
This particular rifle shows evidence of long service with its refinished metal, scattered pitting, and honest wear, but its mechanical integrity remains intact. The action is still functional, the markings are clear, and the 26” octagonal barrel adds to its classic presentation. While the bore shows erosion, the defined rifling suggests that it may still be usable with proper black powder or low-pressure handloads. This antique Winchester has undeniable character and would make a meaningful addition to any collection, whether as a display piece, restoration candidate, or functional shooter for vintage cartridge enthusiasts. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
