Winchester 1873 3rd Model .44-40 WCF 26″ Lever Action Rifle, Antique
SOLD FOR: $2,000.00
LSB#: LSB251101KD005
Make: Winchester
Model: 1873 Rifle 3rd Model
Serial Number: NSNV
Year of Manufacture: 1873-1891 / Antique (Due to the upper tang marking of “–MODEL 1873–” found on pre-400,000 serial numbers)
Caliber: .44-40 Winchester (.44 Winchester Center Fire)
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, 1860 – OCTOBER 16, 1860”. The brass lifter is marked “.44 Cal.” and the top of the barrel is marked “.44 W.C.F.” The top tang is marked “–MODEL 1873–” The Serial number is not marked on the bottom tang, likely indicating a replaced damaged lower tang at the factory.
Barrel Length: 26” Octagonal barrel
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a German Silver blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” notch full buckhorn sight on an elevator ramp, dovetailed to the rear of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with ,straight grip, straight comb, and crescent buttplate with a sliding door storage compartment for the cleaning rod. There is no cleaning rod in the buttstock. There is a four-inch crack in the left side of the buttstock emanating from the buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches throughout. There is a small chip in the left side forearm. The LOP measures 12 7/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has a mottled patina with no remaining finish. Overall, the stocks are in Good condition as an antique.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case colored
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with erosion showing throughout. The rifling shows wear with erosion present in the lands. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7 out of 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 only retains about 0% of its metal finish. Any remaining finish has turned to a brown patina on the barrel, magazine, receiver, dust cover and lever. There are some shallow scratches on the receiver side plates and barrel exterior. The screw heads show use but are still sharp. The markings are legible. Overall, this rifle is in Good to Very Good condition as an antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. The hammer holds at the half-cock safety notch. 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. 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 widely regarded as the most iconic lever action rifle of the American frontier, earning its reputation as “The Gun That Won the West.” Introduced during the height of westward expansion, the Model 1873 became synonymous with settlers, ranchers, lawmen, and outlaws alike, offering a reliable repeating rifle chambered in the popular .44-40 Winchester Center Fire cartridge. Produced by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, the Third Model represents the final and most refined evolution of the 1873 design, incorporating subtle mechanical and manufacturing improvements while retaining the classic lines that defined the model.
This example is configured as a rifle with a desirable 26 inch octagonal barrel, full length magazine, and correct period sights, reflecting a traditional frontier era sporting and working configuration. Chambered in .44-40 WCF, it would have shared ammunition compatibility with contemporary revolvers, a major advantage in the nineteenth century. Condition throughout is consistent with a well-preserved antique that saw real use. The bore is gray with visible erosion and worn rifling, typical of black powder firearms of this age, while the action remains mechanically functional with a correct half-cock safety notch, sliding dust cover, and lower tang lever lock intact.
Externally, the rifle shows complete loss of original finish, now turned to an even brown patina across the barrel, magazine tube, receiver, and lever, a look often favored by collectors of honest frontier arms. The walnut stocks show scattered handling marks, a small forearm chip, and a notable crack at the buttstock near the buttplate, all consistent with long service rather than later restoration. Despite these age-related traits, markings remain legible and the rifle presents as a strong, authentic example of a Third Model Winchester 1873. This rifle stands as a tangible survivor of the black powder era and an evocative piece of American firearms history. Please see our high quality photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids!!!
BF/MA
