Lot 1013

Highly Desirable Special Order Winchester Model 1873 Rifle

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Highly Desirable Special Order Winchester Model 1873 Rifle

Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000

Starting Bid: $18,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Highly Desirable Special Order Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle with Rare Documented Extra Length 32 Inch Barrel and Factory Letter Manufactured in 1906, this is a rare and highly desirable example of a special ordered Winchester Model 1873 rifle with a scarcely seen 32 inch barrel. The included factory letter lists the rifle in .32 caliber with a 32 inch octagon barrel, plain trigger, a "Wind gauge front sight" with "no level", and a Lyman rear cup disc sight when received at the warehouse on 28 March 1906 and shipped on 29 March 1906. Winchester historian and author George Madis notes that only one out of every 600 Model 1873s was ordered with a longer than standard barrel, making rifles like this quite rare for today's collectors. Given this rifle's caliber, barrel length, and special sights, it is quite likely that it was ordered with competition shooting in mind, which was arguably America's most popular sport around the turn of the century. The Third Model receiver has the integral dust cover guide and dust cover with grip serrations at the rear, and there are Winchester factory oval proofs marked on top of the barrel and receiver at the breech. The top of the special ordered 32 inch barrel is marked with the standard two-line address, while the caliber marking is at the breech and on the bottom of the cartridge elevator. The upper tang is marked with the three-line model and trademark information, while the serial number is marked on the lower tang. It is fitted with a period replaced No. 67 globe front sight, an elevation adjustable No. 24 notch rear sight, and the special ordered Lyman "disc cup" peep sight on the upper tang. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Manufacturer: Winchester

Model: 1873

BBL: 32 inch round

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 32-20 WCF

Finish: blue

Serial Number602821B

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

  • Condition: Extremely fine, retains 85% plus of the original blue finish, 50% of the original case colors on the hammer and lever, and 75% plus of the original nitre blue on the loading gate with the balance mostly a grey patina, a few patches of moderate dark pitting on the center of the barrel, and a few scattered light dings on the magazine retainer. The wood is very fine with scattered minor dings and scratches. Mechanically functions. These Winchester 1873s with extra length barrels are rare, particularly in high condition!

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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