Lot 1023

Antique Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 Rifle

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Antique Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 Rifle

Estimate: $27,500 - $42,500

Starting Bid: $22,500

(0 Bids)

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

Exceptional Antique Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle with Special Stock Dimensions and Factory Letter Manufactured in 1888, this is an attractive example of a special ordered deluxe Winchester Model 1873 rifle with the highly attractive casehardened receiver. These Model '73s earned a legendary reputation on the American frontier, becoming known as "the gun that won the West". Their popularity was, in part, due to sharing many calibers with the also iconic Colt Single Action Army revolver, famously known as the "Peacemaker". On the frontier, much of which remained relatively unsettled, arming oneself with an 1873 and a Single Action Army in the same caliber meant that a longarm and a sidearm could both be fed with the same ammunition, a significant benefit in areas where certain types of ammunition could be difficult to obtain. The included factory letter lists the rifle in .38 caliber with an octagon barrel, plain trigger, casehardened finish, and a fancy checkered stock when received at the warehouse on 14 July 1888 and shipped the same day to order number 9725. While no specific production numbers are available, it is known among knowledgeable collectors that casehardened Model 1873s are significantly more rare than the standard blued production, and they remain highly sought after on today's market, particularly in high condition like this example. It is also much more rare for deluxe rifles to feature a straight grip stock like this one than a pistol grip. Though not specifically listed in the factory letter, this particular rifle was also special ordered with specific stock dimensions, a seldom seen feature even on highly optioned deluxe examples. This example has the Third Model receiver with integral dust cover guide and dust cover with grip serrations at the rear. The top of the barrel is marked with the standard two-line address and King's patent marking, while the caliber marking is on the breech and the bottom of the cartridge elevator. The model designation is marked on the upper tang and the serial number is marked on the lower tang. The left side of the lower tang has the assembly number "1777 XX", while "1777" is repeated in the stock inlet. Also marked in the stock inlet is "38" and the additional assembly number "5282", which is then repeated inside the buttplate. It is fitted with a blued "Rocky Mountain" type blade front sight with platinum inlaid centerline, an elevation adjustable No. 24 notch rear sight, and a combination peep sight on the upper tang. It is mounted with a very finely figured forearm and straight grip stock, both with factory deluxe H-pattern checkering, and a trapdoor crescent buttplate containing an included four-piece metal cleaning rod. The straight grip stock on this rifle features special ordered dimensions which are undoubtedly the work of the Winchester factory. The length of the comb is 7 5/8 inches from the tip to the heel of the buttplate and the length along the lower edge is 12 inches from the receiver to the toe of the buttplate, while a standard rifle measures 8 5/8 inches and 12 3/4 inches for the same measurements, meaning that the stock of this rifle was ordered approximately 1 inch shorter than standard. The fact that this is factory work is further evidenced by the fact that the hollow for the cleaning rod was drilled ever so slightly into the upper stock inlet, showing that there was barely room to still include the storage compartment. The length of pull on the rifle is approximately 11 7/8 inches.

Manufacturer: Winchester

Model: 1873

BBL: 24 inch octagon

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 38-40 WCF

Finish: blue/casehardened

Serial Number258267B

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Exceptionally fine overall, retaining 85% plus of the original blue finish, 75% of the vibrant original case colors, and 30% of the original nitre blue on the loading gate. The wood is fine with some scattered minor dings and scratches and crisp checkering overall. Mechanically excellent. A highly attractive, straight grip Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 rifle factory special ordered stock dimensions!

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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