Winchester 1873 3rd Model .38-40 WCF Lever Action Rifle 1890 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,375.00
LSB#: LSB260505JM012
Make: Winchester
Model: 1873 Rifle Third Model
Serial Number: 335580B
Year of Manufacture: 1890 Antique
Caliber: .38-40 Winchester (.38 Winchester Center Fire)
Action Type: Lever Action with Tubular Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CT. / KING’S – IMPROVEMENT – PATENTED – MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16 1860”. The lower tang is marked “335580B”. The bottom of the carrier markings are very faint.
Barrel Length: 24” Octagonal Barrel
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a spring leaf semi buckhorn with elevator dovetailed into the barrel. The upper tang is drilled and tapped for a peep sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and crescent buttplate with a sliding door in front of a storage compartment in the butt (there is a newer set of rods included). The LOP is 13″ from trigger to buttplate. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There are some chips and gouges. There is oil staining at the wrist. There are some cracks at the wrist. Overall this stock is in Fair condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark. The rifling is defined. There is extensive erosion and pitting throughout. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 6/10.
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 virtually none of its original finish. There are scratches and corrosion stains throughout. There are nicks and tool marks throughout. The screw heads are tooled but serviceable. The markings are legible. Overall this rifle is in Fair condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly though the dust cover does not work correctly and will stick the bolt if you attempt to use. We have not fired this rifle. There is a lever lock on the lower tang. 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 lever-action rifles ever produced and played a significant role in the settlement of the American frontier. Introduced in 1873, its reliable toggle-link action and chamberings in popular pistol cartridges made it a favorite among ranchers, lawmen, hunters, and frontiersmen. The .38-40 W.C.F. chambering offered improved velocity over larger-caliber options while maintaining compatibility with contemporary revolvers. This 1890 Third Model example features the desirable 24″ octagon barrel, full-length tubular magazine, and traditional sporting rifle configuration that continues to make these rifles highly sought after by Winchester collectors.
This rifle has seen considerable honest use over its more than 135-year history and now retains virtually none of its original blue finish, with the metal having aged to a combination of gray-brown patina, scratches, corrosion staining, nicks, and scattered tool marks. The walnut stocks remain original and show scratches, compression dents, chips, gouges, oil staining at the wrist, and cracks through the wrist, resulting in a Fair stock rating. The bore is dark with defined rifling but exhibits extensive erosion and pitting, earning a 6/10 bore rating. Mechanically, the action functions correctly; however, the dust cover binds and can stick the bolt if operated, detracting from its functionality. Even with its extensive wear, this remains an authentic antique Winchester Model 1873 with strong historical appeal and collector interest. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! Please see our photos and good luck on your bids! MF