Winchester 1873 Second Model .44-40 WCF 24” Lever Action Rifle 1879 Antique
SOLD FOR: $2,676.00
LSB#: LSB250514GH002
Make: Winchester
Model: 1873
Serial Number: 33552
Year of Manufacture: 1879, 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 “33552”. The upper tang is marked “Model. 1873”.
Barrel Length: 24” Nominal. 24 1/4? Measured, Octagonal
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 riser is not present. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight (none present). The front fill-screw is empty.
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 stocks have a few light nicks and scratches.There are two small cracks in the forend. The LOP measures 12 3/4? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered wear and some light oxidation. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as refinished Antique. This is a Second Model 1873 with dust cover first style “Thumbprint” grip and guide rail retention screw.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is somewhat bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered erosion and infrequent minor pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 6 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 20% of its metal finish. There is some scattered wear on the magazine tube with the worn areas going to a light patina. There is more notable finish wear on the receiver, giving it a mottled appearance. There are scattered spots of surface oxidation. There are some nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are generally clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very GOod condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a dust cover on a rail on the receiver, typical of the Second 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 is a rifle which is in pretty darned good shape for its age. 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.
