Lot 3019

Factory Engraved Special Order Winchester Model 1873 Carbine

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Factory Engraved Special Order Winchester Model 1873 Carbine

Estimate: $15,000 - $25,000

Starting Bid: $13,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 23, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Extremely Scarce and Intriguing Moorish Pattern Factory Engraved Antique Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine with Extra Length Barrel and Factory Letter Manufactured in 1888, this is an intriguing and highly attractive example of a special ordered, factory engraved, deluxe Winchester Model 1873 carbine. The accompanying factory letter lists this one-of-a-kind special order carbine with a 26 inch barrel in .44 caliber, nickel plating, half magazine (7 cartridges), $25.00 engraving, "Moorish P steel scabbard" (not included), no rod in the buttstock compartment and angular bayonet (not included) when it was received in the warehouse on October 19, 1888 and shipped on October 26. The Moorish engraving alone puts this Model 1873 in special class of Winchester rarities, but when the "very unusual pattern engraving" combines with other special order features (extra length barrel in 26 inches, full nickel plating, deluxe stock and half magazine), this carbine is in a class of its own! Any non-standard barrel length on a Winchester is considered rare, and Madis calculated that "one of each 600 [Model 1873s] had [a] barrel longer than standard." Madis continued, "Rifles in the 1873 model outnumber carbines by 20%, and only one of each 600 guns had plating. Only one of each 700 guns had engraving or inscriptions, and one of each 600 had special wood. These figures would be for all of the Model 73s produced. For carbines only, the ratios would be much higher." You are most certainly looking at an extremely rare Model 1873! The engraving pattern seen on this carbine is extremely rare but other examples are known to exist, further reinforcing the theory that guns engraved in this style were being produced in an effort to encourage large sales to Middle Eastern countries in particular. Winchester's business ties to Morocco originated in 1885 when, as explained by author and Winchester family descendant Laura Trevelyan, "the Sultan of Morocco ordered 1,000 Model 1873 muskets and a million cartridges. A delegation of Moorish gunsmiths from Morocco visited New Haven to watch the manufacture of their muskets, and learn about maintenance and repair. Their visit caused much consternation among the little-traveled citizens of New Haven, who objected to the Moroccans cooking food on open fires while wearing long flowing robes." Cultural clashes aside, the factory Moorish pattern engraving on this carbine represents a time when the Winchester name was steadily becoming internationally known. Engraving nearly identical to that seen on this carbine can be seen on the Model 1873 musket bearing serial number 191485 is pictured and identified in George Madis' "The Winchester Book" as well as on p. 180 of "Winchester Engraving" by R.L. Wilson. Madis identified the engraving as the following: "This pattern of engraving is definitely Moorish, with geometric and scroll designs. One of the most intricate and involved patterns of engraving, copied from a Moorish design by the Winchester engravers". Wilson indicates that that gun was likely a presentation or show piece that was likely intended to influence European or Middle Eastern sales of Winchesters. The engraving encompasses essentially all of the receiver with flourishes of scrollwork on the barrel at the breech, hammer, dust cover, lever and buttplate tang. This carbine was produced with a Third Model receiver having the integral dust cover guide and dust cover with grip serrations at the rear. The barrel is stamped with the two-line address/patent dates marking. The cartridge elevator is marked "44 CAL." There is a "crown/BNP" proof on the bottom front of the receiver. The model marking is on the upper tang and the serial number is on the lower tang. The left side of the lower tang is marked "2245 XXX C." The assembly number "2245" is repeated on the stock inlet. The buttplate has the assembly number "3345" (likely a factory error). It is fitted with a block blade front sight that also serves as a bayonet lug, an "1873" marked graduated folding ladder rear sight, and a saddle ring on the left of the receiver. The forearm and straight grip stock are highly figured deluxe walnut, with checkering only on the stock wrist, and fitted with a military pattern/carbine buttplate.

Manufacturer: Winchester

Model: 1873

BBL: 26 inch round

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Finish: nickel

Serial Number281098B

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Fine, retaining 95% of the period replated nickel finish with mild wear contained primarily to the lever and buttplate. The engraving is generally crisp. The revarnished wood is very good with some minor dings and scratches and smooth checkering. Mechanically excellent. Here is your chance to acquire a true rarity in 19th century firearms collecting, a special order factory Moorish pattern engraved Winchester deluxe carbine with rare extra length barrel, that is surely missing from even the most advanced public or private collections!

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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