Winchester Repeating Arms Model 1873 .44 WCF 24″ Octagon 1886 Antique

SOLD FOR: $2,525.00

LSB#: LSB250524TL002

Make: Winchester Repeating Arms

Model:  1873

Serial Number: 219946B

Year of Manufacture: December 6, 1886

Caliber: .44 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- / 44 W.C.F.” The bottom of the receiver is marked “44 CAL.”. The top tang is marked “MODEL- 1873”. The bottom tang is marked “219946B”

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 in the bore about 3/4 of the way up the barrel towards the muzzle. 

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 15% 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, most notably on the top of the barrel, about 2/3-3/4 of the way up towards the front sight. The screw heads are tooled, but have strong and serviceable slots. The pins are slightly marred.. The markings are 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 1886-production Winchester Model 1873 chambered in .44 WCF is an outstanding representation of the most iconic lever-action rifle of the 19th century. With its full-length 24” octagon barrel, crescent buttplate, and King’s Improvement patent marking, it displays all the hallmarks of a classic frontier rifle. As a third model with the “B” suffix, it also features the refined internal and external improvements that characterized the evolution of the 1873 line.

What sets this rifle apart is not pristine condition, but authenticity and honest wear. The thinning finish, smooth patina, and scattered handling marks tell a story of decades in the saddle or behind a wagon seat. The bore, while showing corrosion near the muzzle, still retains sharp rifling and a semi-bright appearance—remarkable for a black powder rifle over 135 years old. The stocks, though worn, are solid and free of cracks, further reinforcing this example’s field-use pedigree.

Backed by a Cody Firearms Museum letter verifying its manufacture in 1886, this antique Winchester remains mechanically sound and ready for display or careful black powder range use. It’s a quintessential piece for collectors of Old West arms, early American sporting rifles, or anyone who appreciates a rifle that shows its history. The 1873 may have been “the gun that won the West,” but this one is the gun that lived the West. Please view our high quality photos, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.