Winchester 1873 3rd Model .44 WCF 24″ Round Lever Action Rifle, Antique

SOLD FOR: $1,025.00

LSB#: LSB251016KS143

Make: Winchester

Model: 1873 Rifle Early 3rd Model

Serial Number: NSNV 

Year of Manufacture: Pre-1898 / C&R (Due to the lack of caliber markings on the barrel or lifter, which was indicative of early models)

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, 1866 – OCTOBER 16, 1860”.  The brass lifter is unmarked as is the top of the barrel near the receiver.  The top tang is marked “–MODEL 1873–” The Serial number from the lower tang is mostly obliterated. 

Barrel Length: 24” Round barrel

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel; the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The steps have been removed or broken off the elevator

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with straight grip, straight comb, and shotgun steel buttplate. The buttstock has either been replaced or refinished. There are small cracks on both sides of the forearm near the cap.  There are significant scratches on the left side of the buttstock. The stocks have multiple scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches throughout.  The LOP measures 13 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 to Very Good condition as an antique.

Type of Finish: Blued, Case colored

Finish Originality: Original metal, replaced or refinished buttstock.   

Bore Condition: The bore is Dark gray with heavy erosion and pitting showing throughout. The rifling shows wear but is visible.  In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6 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. The case coloring on the receiver has turned to a frosted silver patina.  The barrel and magazine show more of a rust patina.   There are 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+ condition as an antique.

Mechanics: The action functions but the hammer will not hold in full cock position when cocked with the lever.  It will hold if hand-cocked. 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. 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 historically important lever action rifles of the American frontier, and this early 3rd Model example in .44 W.C.F. reflects the rifle in its classic black powder era form. Often called “The Gun That Won the West,” the 1873 became ubiquitous among settlers, ranchers, lawmen, and tradesmen due to its reliability and the practicality of sharing ammunition with contemporary revolvers. The absence of caliber markings on both the barrel and brass lifter is a recognized characteristic of early production, firmly placing this rifle in the pre-1898 antique period and underscoring its early 3rd Model configuration.

This rifle presents as an honest survivor with substantial age-earned character. The original metal finish has fully transitioned to patina, with the receiver showing a frosted silver appearance from worn case coloring and the barrel and magazine displaying a darker rust patina consistent with prolonged black powder use and exposure. The wood shows evidence of long service and later attention, with a replaced or refinished buttstock, visible cracks at the forearm, and scattered handling marks throughout. These features are indicative of a working rifle that remained in use rather than one preserved for condition.

Mechanically, the rifle exhibits use-related wear consistent with its age, including a hammer that does not hold at full cock when operated via the lever but will hold when hand-cocked. This condition should be noted by prospective buyers and reflects internal wear accumulated over more than a century. Taken as a whole, this Winchester 1873 should be viewed as a true frontier-era artifact rather than a high-condition collector piece, valued for its originality of metal, early production characteristics, and unmistakable historical presence. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and best of luck with your bids!!!

BF