Winchester 1873 Third Model .32 WCF 24″ Lever Action Rifle 1887 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,275.00
LSB#: LSB260627TM018
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms Co.
Model: 1873, Third Model
Serial Number: 230856B
Year of Manufacture: 1887 / Antique
Caliber: .32 WCF
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with 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.” The barrel is marked “32 W.C.F.” just forward of the receiver. The upper tang is marked with decorative flourishes and “MODEL. 1873.” The lower tang is marked with serial number “230856B”.
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a semi-buckhorn leaf dovetailed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a smooth two-piece wood set with a straight wrist, straight comb, and crescent buttplate. The LOP measures 12 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The toe of the buttstock had a chip prior to the stock being refinished. The stocks rate in about Good overall condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Chrome
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is worn. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 4/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its chrome refinish. There are sanding marks and areas of pitting visible beneath the chrome throughout, indicating pre-existing surface wear and corrosion prior to refinishing. The rifle rates in about Good to Very Good overall condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1873 is one of the most recognizable American lever-action rifles of the late 19th century and was produced in several centerfire chamberings during its long production life. The .32 WCF chambering was added during the early 1880s and offered a lighter-recoiling option while retaining the familiar Model 1873 action. Serial number 230856B places this Third Model example in 1887 production, giving it classic black-powder-era Winchester provenance with the traditional rifle configuration of a 24″ barrel, straight-grip stock, and crescent buttplate.
This rifle has been extensively refinished with chrome and retains about 99% of that later finish. Sanding marks and pitting are visible beneath the plating throughout, while the buttstock shows evidence of a pre-existing chip at the toe before refinishing. The bore is dark with worn rifling and rates 4/10, while the action functions correctly. As a refinished Antique Winchester Model 1873 in .32 WCF, it remains an interesting representative example of one of Winchester’s most historically significant lever-action designs. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!-C.M.