Winchester 1873 First Model .44-40 WCF 24″ Lever Action Rifle, 1875 Antique
LSB#: LSB260412PC014
Make: Winchester
Model: 1873 First Model, Second Type
Serial Number: 7142
Year of Manufacture: 1875 / Antique
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’S-REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN, CT. / KING’S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29.1866. OCTOBER 16.1860.” in front of the rear sight. The lower tang is marked “7142”. The upper tang is marked “MODEL. 1873.”.
Barrel Length: 24″ Nominal. 24 1/4? Measured, Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight (none present).
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 (There is nothing in the compartment). There are scattered nicks and scratches. There is a hairline crack in the bottom of the forend at the receiver. The LOP measures 12 7/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has wear on the heel and toe. The plate has been refinished. The stocks have been sanded and refinished. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as refinished Antique. This is a First Model Second Type 1873 with an impressed dust cover 1/2 inch checkered “Thumbprint” grip and retention screw with no guide rail.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished at some point.
Bore Condition: The bore is dull and the rifling is defined where not interrupted by erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 4/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 30% of its current metal finish. This rifle was reblued some time in the past and has since taken to a dark mottled patina. There is light to mild erosion throughout with pinprick pitting. There are scattered spots of surface oxidation. There are some nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. There is cold blue on top of the lifter. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Good condition as refinished Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: This rifle includes a Cody Firearms Records Office Letter confirming a manufacture date of 1875.
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 is a scarce early First Model Second Type with an impressed checkered ½ thumbprint on the dust cover. This would make a nice addition to a Winchester or early cartridge rifle collection, and will display well alongside other Winchester lever guns. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.