Winchester 1873 ’73 3rd Model 38-40 WCF Lever Action Rifle MFD 1893 Antique
Sold For: $1,401
LSB#: 200304MA01
Make: Winchester
Model: 1873 Rifle
Serial Number: 450557B
Year of Manufacture: 1893
Caliber: .38-40 Winchester (38 Winchester Center Fire)
Action Type: Lever Action with Full Length Tubular Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER’S REPEATING ARMS NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. / -KING’S IMPROVEMENT PATENTED MARCH 29.1866. OCTOBER 16.1860.-” in front of the rear sight and “38 W.C.F.” at the rear. The lower tang is marked “450557B”. The upper tang is marked “Model. 1873”. The bottom of the lifter had a caliber marking which has been mostly removed and “DLRATE” has been hand-scribed in its place. The left-front of the receiver is hand-scribed “DUCKS”.
Barrel Length: 24″ nominal, 24 1/4″ Measured, Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed and screw-set to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch dovetailed to the rear of the barrel (not original). The top tang is drilled tapped and filled for a peep sight (none included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and steel crescent-style buttplate with sliding-door storage compartment (nothing is present in the butt). The stocks have many scattered light-moderate nicks, dings, bruises, scuffs and scratches. There are two notches on each top edge of the forend at the rear which appear intentionally applied and some sort of symbol hand-carved on the left of the buttstock. There is a crack along the bottom of the forend at the rear and there are a couple of short, thin cracks at the buttplate. The LOP measures 12 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has gone to a mottled light patina with a few spots of solid erosion. Overall, the stocks are in about Good-Very Good condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is light erosion and pitting scattered through the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 5% of its metal finish. Remaining finish is scattered with most surfaces gone to a light patina and most edges worn to white. Strongest finish is in protected areas such as between the barrel and magazine tube and around the edges of the sideplates. There is some scattered light surface oxidation, infrequent minor erosion, tool marks around screw heads, and some nicks, scuffs and scratches. The sides of the receiver show old, discolored scratches and there are moderate dings and tool marks on each side of the barrel at the rear sight dovetail. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with useable slots. The markings are legible. Overall, this rifle is in about Good-Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a lever lock on the lower tang, and a dust cover on a rail on 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.
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable (THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO OUT OF STATE RESIDENTS): This cartridge-firing Antique can be transferred in California but we will transfer through your local dealer or at our Simi Valley location; we will not ship directly to you. Out of state residents can disregard this section – your local laws apply.
