Winchester Model 1873 .38 WCF 24″ Round Lever Action Rifle 1902 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,700.00
LSB#: LSB250521RR020
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1873
Serial Number: 566610B
Year of Manufacture: 1902
Caliber: .38 Winchester Center Fire (WCF)
Action Type: Lever Action, fed by 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- / 38 W.C.F.” The bottom of the receiver is marked “38 CAL.”. The top tang is marked “MODEL- 1873”. The bottom tang is marked “566610B”
Barrel Length: 24 Inches, Round.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a semi-buckhorn V-notch sight on an elevator ramp that is dovetailed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks is are a two-piece smooth walnut with a capped forend, and a straight grip, straight comb, with a metal crescent buttplate, which includes the trapdoor that provides access to a cleaning rod tunnel. There are moderate handling marks present throughout the stocks, mainly on the forend, which include pressure dents, scuffs and scratches. There is a small chip on the forend on the right side by the endcap. There is a small crack on the buttstock coming off of the top tang and going down the grip towards the left. The LOP measures 12 5/8 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The forend appears to have been refinished in the past, as some of the finish from the stock has bled onto the metal end cap on the forend. The stocks rate in about Fair to Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, however, there is some light corrosion/pitting throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 20% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows wear, and thinning throughout all metal surfaces. Most of the remaining finish on the metal surfaces have turned to a patina. The receiver has the start of minor surface corrosion. There are scratches and dings in the metal throughout. The screw heads are heavily tooled, but still retain serviceable slots. The pins are slightly marred. The markings are mostly clear and legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fair to Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This rifle has a half-cock safety, and that works as intended. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This 1902-manufactured Winchester Model 1873 in .38-40 WCF is a classic example of the final years of production for one of the most iconic rifles in American history. With its 24-inch round barrel, crescent buttplate, and tubular magazine, it retains the familiar silhouette that earned the 1873 its reputation as “The Gun that Won the West.” As a late Third Model, it benefits from decades of mechanical refinement while still preserving the original design principles that made the 1873 such a durable and beloved lever gun.
Chambered in .38 WCF, this rifle would have appealed to ranchers, hunters, and small game shooters seeking a lighter-recoiling cartridge that shared compatibility with their revolvers. The bore remains bright with sharp rifling and only minor corrosion, indicating that this example is still a solid shooter with the appropriate black powder loads. While the finish has largely patinated and the stocks show their age—including a small crack and chip—the rifle’s mechanics are sound, and the action remains functional with a solid half-cock safety. The visible tool marks on the screws are honest wear from more than a century of use and handling.
Collectors of early lever-actions and Western Americana will appreciate this 1873 for what it is: an authentic, well-used, but still serviceable piece of American firearm heritage. It has character, history, and utility, and would make a great candidate for light restoration, preservation, or display as-is in any Winchester collection. Please view our high quality photos, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
