Winchester 1873 3rd Model .32 WCF 24″ Oct. Lever Action Rifle 1893 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,125.00‘
LSB#: LSB251208RC008
Make: Winchester
Model: 1873 Rifle Third Model Rifle
Serial Number: 466450B
Year of Manufacture: 1893 / Antique
Caliber: .32-20 Winchester (.32 WCF)
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. / KINGS–IMPROVEMENT –PATENTED–MARCH 29, 1860 – OCTOBER 16, 1860”. The top of the barrel near the receiver is marked “.32 W.C.F.”. The bottom of the brass lifter is marked “.32 Cal.”. The serial number “466450B” is stamped on the bottom tang and “—MODEL 1873—” is stamped on the top tang. All markings are faint due to polishing during refinishing.
Barrel Length: 24″ Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a German Silver blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a U-notch Full-buckhorn elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are refinished two-piece smooth walnut with a capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and crescent steel buttplate with no storage compartment for the cleaning rod (as was typical for .22 & .32 Calibers). There is a filler repair on the left side of the buttstock to fit the stock to the frame after refinishing. There are very few handling marks on the refinished stocks. There is some wood discoloration near the steel buttplate. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in Excellent condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is worn showing erosion. There is some erosion and fouling throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6/10 for a black powder 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 retains 98% of its metal refinish. All metal parts were blued at the time of refinishing including barrel, mag tube, forend cap, receiver, lever, hammer, dust cover and buttplate. The brass lifter has been buffed as well. There are very few areas of scuffs or handling marks on the refinished parts. The bolt and action show limited operational wear. The markings are all faint from polishing. Overall, this rifle is in about Good to Very Good condition as a refinished antique with a fair bore.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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. 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 Third Model rifle represents the most refined and widely produced variation of the famed lever action that became synonymous with the American frontier. Introduced in 1873 and evolving through three primary design variations, the Third Model incorporated improvements such as the integral dust cover rail and other minor internal refinements. Chambered here in .32 WCF (.32-20), a cartridge introduced in the early 1880s for small game and light utility use, this 1893 production rifle reflects the continued popularity of the platform in the closing years of the 19th century. With its 24 inch octagonal barrel, full length tubular magazine, and classic lines, it remains an instantly recognizable example of Winchester’s iconic repeating rifle.
This antique rifle has been refinished, with all major metal components including the barrel, magazine tube, receiver, lever, hammer, dust cover, and buttplate having been reblued. The brass lifter has also been polished. As a result of the refinishing process, the barrel and tang markings are now faint. The wood stocks have likewise been refinished and remain in Excellent condition as refinished, showing very few handling marks, though there is a filler repair on the left side of the buttstock and some discoloration near the buttplate. The bore is dark with worn rifling and visible erosion and fouling, rating approximately 6 out of 10 for a black powder antique, which is not uncommon for rifles of this era.
Mechanically, the action functions correctly, including the lever lock and the characteristic sliding dust cover found on Third Model rifles. We have not test fired the rifle. While refinishing does impact collector originality, this example still offers the historical presence and mechanical charm of an 1893 antique Winchester Model 1873 chambered in the versatile .32 WCF cartridge. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!
BF/MA