Winchester Model 1873 Saddle Ring Carbine .44-40 Lever Rifle 1891 Antique
SOLD FOR: $2,826.00
LSB#: LSB250514GH003
Make: Winchester
Model: 1873
Serial Number: 397385B
Year of Manufacture: 1891, Antique
Caliber: .44-40 W.C.F.
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Full Length Tubular Magazine and Stepped Receiver
Barrel Length: 20”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short blade integral to a base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a ladder sight dovetailed to the barrel with a fixed v-notch when down and V-notch leaf when up.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with banded forend, straight grip, straight comb, and steel carbine style buttplate with storage compartment. There are scratches, nicks, scuffs, compressions, and scrapes throughout the stocks, concentrated at the rear of the buttstock. There is a small crack on the right side of the wrist. The LOP measures 12 7/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has taken a general dark patina and erosion throughout. The stocks have been heavily sanded and refinished. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dull to semi-bright with well defined rifling. There is light to mild erosion throughout. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about none of its finish. Most of the finish has taken deep patina, corrosion, and erosion. The screw heads are tool marked to disfigured. The markings are generally clear. The mechanics are strong. Overall, this rifle is in about Fair – Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
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 gun needs no introduction and chances are you’ve seen one. More than 720,00 were produced from 1873 through 1923 and the gun is produced and used to this day. 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. These included the .32-20, .38-40 and .44-40 cartridges. This rifle will display well as-is with its “been there, done that” appearance, but would also be a likely candidate for restoration. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.
