Lot 11

Factory Engraved Nickel Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 Rifle

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Factory Engraved Nickel Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 Rifle

Estimate: $30,000 - $45,000

Starting Bid: $25,000

(0 Bids)

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

Attractive and Highly Desirable Antique Ulrich Factory Panel Scene Engraved Special Order Nickel Plated Winchester Deluxe Second Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle in .44-40 W.C.F. with Factory Letter Manufactured in 1879, this is a highly attractive and desirable example of a special ordered, Ulrich factory engraved, nickel plated, deluxe Winchester Model 1873 rifle. This particular rifle was almost certainly engraved by the legendary Winchester Master Engraver John Ulrich, with a signed work by him, serial number 35251 Model 1873 pictured on p. 156 of "Winchester Engraving" by Wilson, showing very similar kidney-shaped fans on the forward left and right of the receiver as well as similarities in the scrollwork. According to Wilson in the previously mentioned book, John Ulrich accounts for the majority of signed engraving work for Winchester between 1869 and 1920, indicating that he would have also been responsible for a large portion of the unsigned work like this example. Winchester historian and author George Madis notes in "The Winchester Book" that of all Model 1873s only one out of every 600 had a plated finish, one out of every 600 had special wood, and only one out of every 700 was engraved or inscribed, making this particular rifle in this configuration very scarce. The included factory letter with this example lists the rifle with an octagon barrel, set trigger, "engraved $2.50", "full nickel" and a checkered stock when received at the warehouse on 9 June 1879, and shipped on 12 June 1879 in order number 15529. The engraving on this rifle features extensive floral scrollwork with beaded backgrounds incorporating kidney/fan shapes on the front and rear sides of the receiver. The left sideplate features a circular game panel scene of a buck and doe. The engraving extends to the forearm cap, dust cover, top and bottom of the receiver, upper tang, and buttplate tang, all featuring flourishes of scrollwork with beaded backgrounds. The second model receiver features the dust cover guide retained with two screws, while the engraved dust cover has the sunken checkered "thumbprint" grip area. The top barrel flat is marked with the two-line address and King's patent markings. The rifle correctly lacks caliber markings, as the only caliber available until the year this rifle was made was .44-40 W.C.F. The upper tang has the model marking, and it is factory drilled and tapped for a peep sight with filler screws in place. The serial number is marked on the lower tang. The left side of the lower tang has the assembly number "XX 84", while "84" is repeated in the stock inlet and inside the buttplate. It is fitted with a Lyman blade front sight that appears to have once had a bead and an elevation adjustable No. 22 notch rear sight with the early pattern checkered sides. It is mounted with a very nicely figured, checkered forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent buttplate.

Manufacturer: Winchester

Model: 1873

BBL: 34 inch octagon

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Finish: nickel

Serial Number35027

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Very fine, retaining 80% of the rare, untouched, original full nickel plating with some light wear on edges and high spots, some scattered patches of light flaking, some patches of light pitting, and crisp engraving overall. The wood is fine with some scattered minor dings and scratches, and the checkering remains mostly crisp with a few minor flat spots. Mechanically excellent. A rare opportunity to add a piece of Ulrich engraved Winchester art to your fine collection of 19th century American arms!

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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