Lot 13

Antique Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle in .38 W.C.F.

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Antique Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle in .38 W.C.F.

Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000

Starting Bid: $18,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Outstanding Antique Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle in .38 W.C.F. Manufactured in 1891, this is an outstanding example of "the gun that won the West". In regards to the American West, and perhaps America in general, there are few more iconic duos than the Winchester Model 1873 and the Colt Single Action Army revolver. Sharing many common calibers such as .38 W.C.F., these two guns were easily paired as a primary weapon and sidearm using the same ammunition. These legendary firearms were forged in the industrialized fires of the overcrowded, smog-choked urban centers of the east by tough-as-nails Americans working long hours in the sprawling factories. Many of these guns, as tough as the people that built them, ended up in the hands of others who turned their gaze westward, intending to chase the wild horizon ever farther, in search of opportunity and freedom. Much like the guns they carried, these people heading westward were hardened, forged in the fires of the frontier, where failure could mean a small unmarked grave along the side of the trail. Those people who ventured into the untamed wilds of the west became indelibly linked with the unbreakable American spirit, and there is perhaps no tangible item that evokes this spirit on a visceral level more than a Winchester Model 1873 rifle like this one. Made when much of the American West remained wild, this standard configuration Model 1873 has remained in incredible condition for 134 years, especially considering the majority of these standard rifles were viewed as tools, seeing hard working lives. It has the Third Model receiver with the integral dust cover guide and dust cover with grip serrations at the rear. The top of the barrel is marked with the typical two-line address and King's patent marking, as well as the caliber marking at the breech, which is repeated on the bottom of the cartridge elevator. The upper tang has the model marking, and the serial number is marked on the lower tang. It is fitted with a No. 21 German silver blade front sight and an elevation adjustable No. 24 notch rear sight. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent buttplate containing an included four-piece cleaning rod.

Manufacturer: Winchester

Model: 1873

BBL: 24 inch octagon

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 38-40 WCF

Finish: blue

Serial Number403995B

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: The Greg Lampe Collection
  • Condition: Excellent, retains 95% plus of the original blue finish with a few areas having thinned and a small patch of light pitting on the right rear of the receiver. 75% of the darkened case colors remain with the balance a smooth grey patina. 90% plus of the bright original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. The wood is also excellent with a very small repair on the right of the forearm and some scattered light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. This example of "the gun that won the West" shows some honest signs of use and care, while remaining in incredibly high condition, which would be very difficult to improve upon!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000