Winchester Repeating Arms Model 1873 .38 WCF 24″ Octagon 1887 Antique
SOLD FOR: $2,025.00
LSB#: LSB250524TL001
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1873
Serial Number: 242695B
Year of Manufacture: June 13, 1887
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, CONN. U.S.A. / -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 “242695B”
Barrel Length: 24 Inches, Octagonal.
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 to heavy handling marks present throughout the stocks, which include pressure dents, scuffs and scratches. There are no chips or cracks in the stocks. The LOP measures 12 5/8 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks rate in about Fair to Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, however, there is some corrosion/pitting throughout the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 10% 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 tooled, but have strong and serviceable slots. The front screw on the top tang is missing. 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: This rifle includes a certified letter from Winchester Repeating Fire Arms/Cody Firearms Museum that verifies the serial number and manufacture date of this rifle.
Our Assessment: This Winchester Model 1873 chambered in .38-40 WCF (Winchester Center Fire) is a fine representative of the classic lever-action rifle that helped define the American frontier. Produced in 1887, this Third Model features a 24-inch octagon barrel, crescent buttplate with trapdoor, and all the original configuration hallmarks collectors look for in an unmodified antique. As verified by its Cody Firearms Museum letter, this rifle left the factory during a pivotal decade of westward expansion and industrialization.
The .38 WCF cartridge—introduced in 1879—offered a flatter shooting, lighter-recoiling alternative to the .44 WCF, making this rifle ideal for small game and medium-range use in the field. The semi-bright bore with sharp rifling and scattered pitting suggests that while it has certainly seen use, it remains shootable with proper black powder loads and care. Though the finish has mostly patinated, and the front tang screw is missing, this rifle retains strong mechanics and pleasing frontier character.
Collectors will appreciate the rifle’s honest wear, unmolested wood, and the historical gravitas that comes with every Model 1873. Whether displayed in a Western Americana collection or respectfully taken to the range for black powder plinking, this Winchester offers a tangible connection to 19th-century American ingenuity and expansion. Its blend of form, function, and history make it an enduring classic and a smart acquisition for those who value authenticity. Please check out our high quality photos, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
