Winchester Model 1873 .38 WCF 24” Lever Action Rifle, Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,175.00
LSB#: LSB260629EB043
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms Co.
Model: 1873
Serial Number: 285801B
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1889 / Antique
Caliber: .38 WCF (.38-40 Winchester)
Action Type: Lever-Action Rifle with Tubular Magazine
Markings: The top barrel flat is marked in two lines, “WINCHESTER’S-REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A.” over “KING’S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16. 1860.” The barrel is marked “38 CAL.” near the receiver. The upper tang is marked “MODEL 1873.” The lower tang is marked with serial number “285801B.”
Barrel Length: 24” Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a small blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable V-notch leaf dovetailed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a modern replacement two-piece smooth wood stock with a straight wrist, straight comb, and metal crescent buttplate. The LOP measures 12 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks show scattered handling and operational wear and remain in about Very Good condition as replacements.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is worn. There is a squib ring near the muzzle. In the writers opinion the bore rates 4/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 5% of its original metal finish. The balance shows extensive finish loss, patina, and heavy handling and operational wear. The screw heads show use. The markings range from clear to worn. The rifle is in about Good condition overall as an Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. Due to the visible squib ring near the muzzle, the bore should be inspected by a qualified gunsmith before firing.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1873 is one of the most recognizable American lever-action rifles of the 19th century and played an important role in Winchester’s transition from the earlier Model 1866 to a stronger centerfire repeating rifle. The .38 WCF chambering was introduced during Model 1873 production and became particularly popular because rifles and revolvers could be chambered for the same cartridge. This example is a Third Model rifle with a 24” barrel and dates to the later years of Model 1873 production.
This rifle shows extensive honest use, retaining only traces of its original finish with the balance displaying substantial patina and wear. The wood has been replaced with a modern two-piece stock set, and the bore is dark with worn rifling and a visible squib ring near the muzzle. The action continues to function correctly. Despite the replacement wood and substantial condition issues, this remains an Antique Winchester Model 1873 chambered in the classic .38 WCF cartridge. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!-C.M.