Winchester Model 1873 .32 WCF Lever Action Rifle C&R 1920
SOLD FOR: $2,128.00
LSB#: WY240905SP052
Make: Winchester
Model: 1873
Serial Number: 702298 B
Year of Manufacture: 1920
Caliber: .32 Winchester Center Fire
Action Type: Lever Action with Tube Fed Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CT. / KING’S – IMPROVEMENT – PATENTED – MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16 1860”. The lower tang is marked “702298B.
Barrel Length: 24” Octagonal Barrel
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed and screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch leaf with a ramp dovetailed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth wood with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and crescent buttplate . The stocks have scattered nicks, dings, scuffs, compression marks, and scratches. There are no chips or cracks on the buttstock. The LOP measures 12.75” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear and some minor erosion at the heel and toe. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition for a Refinished C&R.
Type of Finish: blued
Finish Originality: Refinish.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling shows some wear, but is generally well defined, sharp in most areas. There is some scattered erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7 out of 10 for a C&R.
Most antique / C&R firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases, the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collectors’ firearms.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows operational and handling wear. There are scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches throughout. The markings are clear and legible though a bit faded in some places. There is no dust cover. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good condition for a C&R.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. There is a lever lock on the lower tang. 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. Colt produced single action revolvers chambered for the Winchester cartridges as well, allowing users to have a rifle and handgun which shared the same ammunition.
This is an honest gun in a desirable configuration and deserves a spot in a collection of lever action rifles next to its 1866, 1876, 1886, 1892 and 1894 cousins. Please see our photos and good luck! – C.M.
