Winchester Model 1873 .38 WCF 28” Lever Action Rifle, Antique MFD 1883
SOLD FOR: $1,700.00
LSB#: LSB260629EB045
Make: Winchester
Model: 1873, Third Model
Serial Number: 132894A
Year of Manufacture: 1883 / Antique
Caliber: .38 W.C.F. (.38-40 Winchester)
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Full-Length Tubular Magazine.
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER’S-REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CT.” over “KING’S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16. 1860.” The upper tang is marked “MODEL 1873” with decorative flourishes. The lower tang is marked with serial number “132894A”. The barrel is marked “38 CAL” near the receiver.
Barrel Length: 28”, Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a buckhorn “V”-notch leaf dovetailed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth wood with a straight wrist, straight comb, and steel crescent buttplate. The LOP measures 12 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttstock has been refinished. There are no chips or cracks. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is worn. There is corrosion and erosion throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 0% of its original metal finish. The metal surfaces are largely in the white with patina and freckling throughout. The markings remain visible. The screw heads show use. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition as an Antique.
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 19th century and became an important part of Winchester’s expanding centerfire rifle line. The .38 W.C.F. chambering was introduced after the original .44 W.C.F. and provided shooters with a lighter-recoiling cartridge suitable for both rifle and revolver use. This 1883-production Third Model is additionally notable for its 28” round barrel, giving it a less commonly encountered configuration than the standard-length sporting rifles more often seen today.
This example shows extensive honest use, with the original metal finish no longer remaining and the exposed metal displaying an even mixture of patina and freckling. The bore is dark with worn rifling and corrosion and erosion throughout, rating 5/10. The buttstock has been refinished but remains solid, with no chips or cracks, and the action functions correctly. Its long 28” barrel, early .38 W.C.F. chambering, and unmistakable Model 1873 profile make it an appealing representative of Winchester’s classic lever-action era. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!-C.M.