Winchester 1873 ’73 3rd Model 24″ .44-40 WCF Lever Rifle, MFD 1882 Antique

SOLD FOR: $1,200.00

LSB#: LSB250707WH004

Make: Winchester

Model: 1873 

Serial Number: 89844A

Year of Manufacture: 1882

Caliber: .44-40 Winchester (44 Winchester Center Fire)

Action Type: Lever Action with Full Length Tubular Magazine

Barrel Length: 24″ Nominal, 24 1/4″ Measured, Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass blade in a slotted base, dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight appears to be a modified folding ladder-style sight with the ladder removed, presenting a fixed “V”-notch in each position.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and steel crescent buttplate with sliding-door storage compartment (nothing in the compartment). The bottom stock mounting screw is missing. The forend has losses along each top edge with a crack in the left-front toward the bottom. There are losses around the bottom tang with a crack on the right. The buttstock has some scattered cracking around edges with open grain-lines and weathering. Both stocks show signs of sanding, more notable on the forend. The LOP measures 12 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has worn to white with some scattered erosion, nicks, scuffs and scratches. Overall, the stocks are in Fair-plus condition as refinished Antique.

Type of Finish: No finish remains.

Finish Originality: The surfaces appear to have been intentionally polished.

Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling is fairly strong toward the chamber-end, showing more wear toward the muzzle-end. There is scattered erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 3-4/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 0% of its metal finish. The surfaces have been polished to white. The right toggle assembly is missing. The pin securing the bolt to the firing pin extension is missing, the two parts move independently. There is scattered light surface oxidation and some minor erosion. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are a few more notable dings. The action shows wear. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with unusable slots. The markings are worn, but legible. Overall, this rifle is in Fair condition as Antique. 

Mechanics: The right toggle assembly is missing. The pin securing the bolt to the firing pin extension is missing, the two parts move independently. There is a dust cover on a rail integral to the receiver, typical of the Third Models. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: One of the most successful, and certainly one of the most famous Winchester rifles was the Winchester Model 1873, known as “The Gun that Won the West” for its predominant role in the hands of Western settlers. The Model 1873 had a steel frame that was much stronger than the brass framed Model 1866, allowing Winchester to develop a family of powerful new cartridges, with Colt usually producing Single Action Army revolvers in the same calibers shortly after they were developed. The .44-40 Win. cartridge was one of the most popular cartridges of the era, able to take game as large as deer. This example certainly shows its age, but will display well as-is with its “been there, done that” appearance. It would also be a good source of some parts for another 1873 or a challenging, yet rewarding restoration project. Please see our photos and good luck!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud