Winchester 1873 3rd Model .32 WCF 24″ Lever Action Rifle 1886 Antique

SOLD FOR: $1,300.00

LSB#: LSB260602CL038

Make: Winchester

Model: 1873 Rifle Third Model Rifle

Serial Number: 223696

Year of Manufacture: 1886 / Antique 

Caliber: .32-20 Winchester (.32 WCF)

Action Type: Lever action, centerfire rifle, fed from tubular magazine.

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER–REPEATING–ARMS–NEW HAVEN–CONN U.S.A. / KINGS–IMPROVEMENT –PATENTED–MARCH 29, 1860 – OCTOBER 16, 1860”. The top of the barrel near the receiver is marked “.32 CAL”.  The bottom of the brass lifter is marked “.32 Cal.”  The Serial number “223696” is stamped on the bottom tang and “—MODEL 1873—” is stamped on the top tang.  

Barrel Length: 24″ Octagon

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a spring leaf V notch with elevator dovetailed to the barrel. The upper tang is drilled and tapped for peep sight. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is two piece smooth walnut, capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and crescent iron buttplate. The LOP is 12 1/2″ from trigger to buttplate. The buttstock appears to be replaced, both parts appear to have had some refinish work. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. The most notable damage is to the forend. There are some chips along the edges. There are no cracks. Overall this stock is in Good as a replacement. 

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original, mostly scrubbed.

Bore Condition: The bore is dark. The rifling is defined. There is moderate erosion and damage throughout. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains virtually none of its original finish. This rifle has mostly been scrubbed clean of bluing. There are scratches and corrosion stains throughout. The screw heads are tooled but serviceable. The markings are legible. Overall this rifle is in Fair condition. 

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. The tang safety is functional. 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 one of the most iconic American lever-action rifles of the 19th century, and this 1886 Third Model example is chambered in .32-20 W.C.F. It features a 24″ octagon barrel, full-length tubular magazine, straight-grip walnut furniture, crescent iron buttplate, and traditional barrel-mounted sights. The buttstock appears to be a replacement and both pieces of wood show evidence of refinishing, but the rifle retains the classic proportions and configuration associated with the Model 1873 sporting rifle.

The Model 1873 became one of Winchester’s defining firearms and is closely associated with the expansion of repeating rifles across the American West. The Third Model incorporated later production refinements while retaining the toggle-link action and tubular magazine system that made the design famous. The .32-20 W.C.F. chambering offered a lighter-recoiling option suited to small game, varmints, and general sporting use, broadening the Model 1873’s appeal beyond the larger .44 and .38 caliber offerings.

This rifle retains virtually none of its original finish, with most of the metal having been scrubbed clean of bluing and showing scratches and corrosion staining throughout. The replacement and refinished walnut stocks remain in Good condition overall, with scattered scratches, compression dents, and more notable chipping along the forend edges but no cracks. The dark bore has defined rifling with moderate erosion and damage and rates 5/10, while the action and tang safety function correctly. Overall, this is a Fair-condition antique Model 1873 with classic octagon-barrel configuration and strong historical character despite its finish loss and replaced wood. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! MF