Lot 6

Serial Number 380 Winchester First Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle

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Serial Number 380 Winchester First Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle

Estimate: $65,000 - $85,000

Starting Bid: $55,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
June 27, 2026 5:00 PM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Extraordinary, Iconic and Very Early, Three-Digit Factory Hand Engraved Serial Number 380 Antique Special Order Winchester First Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle with Highly Desirable Raised "Thumbprint" Dust Cover and Factory Letter Winchester's Model 1873 is undoubtedly one of the most iconic firearms of the American West, serving with legendary distinction alongside the iconic Colt "Peacemaker". While it was the Model 1866 which laid the foundations of Winchester's legacy in the West, it was undoubtedly the '73 which cemented the Winchester lever action as one of a select few inalienable items in the ethos of the frontier and of America itself. It is, more often than not, the Winchester '73 that is pictured in one's mind when they envision the long gun of America's western frontier. From its introduction, it was the 1873 that became the preferred longarm of people on both sides of the law and from all walks of life in the West. These guns, like the people who carried them, helped to forge new trails, settle untamed lands, enforce laws, and protect both property and lives, seeing both triumph and devastation. These rugged lever actions, particularly the earliest production examples, often saw decades of hard use in the unforgiving environment of the western frontier, leaving only a select few still available to collectors in any condition, let alone in extremely high condition like this rifle. While all Winchester Model 1873s retain a deeply rooted association with the American West, it is these very early production examples that forged the legacy on the turbulent frontier that earned these guns the nickname "the gun that won the West". Rifles in fairly standard configurations like this one were, more often than not, viewed as a tool rather than a collectors item, and thus they are rarely ever seen in such a well-preserved state. This rifle represents a historic time capsule, being an extremely early production Model 1873 that remains in astonishingly high condition, offering a window into the wild period of westward expansion, and would be an incredible addition to a high level collection of Winchester lever actions or collection of the American West. The Winchester '73 is one of the just a handful of items that truly evokes the rugged grit and determination of the American spirit. Every rifle carries with it the stories of turmoil and struggle from the frontier, remaining treasured pieces of history and Americana. In many ways, the Winchester Model 1873 rifle can be viewed as the culmination of an evolution that began with the Jennings, Volcanic, and Henry repeating arms of earlier years, representing the perfection of a basic design that would not be significantly changed until thirteen years later with the introduction of the John Browning designed Model 1886. Though similar in design to Winchester's previous model, the "Yellowboy" 1866, the '73 offered several improvements that increased durability and strength, including a steel receiver rather than the brass of the '66. Perhaps the largest improvement the model offered was not actually in the design itself, but rather the cartridges it was chambered in, including the .44-40 W.C.F., which itself became a legend of the American frontier. The newly introduced centerfire cartridges offered a significant increase in power over the previously standard rimfire cartridges such as the .44 Henry Flat, with the .44-40 itself delivering over 100 ft. lbs. more energy to a target while loaded with an equivalent bullet. Initially, Winchester's 1873 was only offered in .44-40, and, when Colt introduced their "Frontier Six Shooter" in 1878 in the same caliber, it was a match made in heaven, allowing one to be armed with both a long gun and a sidearm that was fed with the same ammunition. Many in the West found that having to source and carry only one type of ammunition was a significant benefit, considering large portions of the region remained decidedly unsettled and untamed. When further calibers were introduced and offered for the '73, Colt followed suit not long after, offering consumers a reliable lever action in three primary calibers as well as a sidearm to match. Manufactured in 1874, very early in the second year of production, this rifle, serial number 380, is an exceptionally high condition example of the legendary Winchester Model 1873. When it comes to Model 1873 rifles, these very early production, first model examples are essentially never found in the exceptional condition this one remains in, making it a truly treasured time capsule for both Winchester collectors and collectors of the American West. This rifle is undoubtedly one of the finest condition early production examples in existence. Having been manufactured so early in the second year of production, this rifle has all of the correct, very early features one would expect on a Winchester Model 1873 rifle with a serial number this low. The included factory letter lists the rifle with a 24 inch octagon barrel, special order set trigger, and "Target: 4" (indicating the rifle grouped 4 inches on target during test firing, a remarkable accomplishment!) when received at the warehouse on 14 February 1874 and shipped on 4 March 1874 in order number 1062. Interestingly, this particular rifle was received in the warehouse a little over a week before and shipped about three weeks before the Winchester Model 1873 rifle bearing serial number 19, which was sold here at Rock Island Auction Company in our December 2025 Premier Firearms Auction, likely indicating that the inscription on rifle number 19 was executed at the factory prior to it being shipped. Most prominently, the first model frame with the integral guides on top and fitted with the original "raised thumbprint" pattern dust cover, which was used on only the first approximately 2,600 Model 1873s. Model 1873 rifles with the combination of model marking on the upper tang and the raised "thumbprint" dust cover are found in the 350-2600 serial number range and were essentially all manufactured in 1874. The rifle correctly lacks caliber markings as the only caliber offered until 1879 was .44-40 W.C.F. The top barrel flat is marked with the standard two-line address and King's patent marking. The upper tang has the model marking, while the lower tang has one of the earliest "Type 2" serial number marking, which is hand inscribed. The change to the "Type 2" serial number marking occurred around serial number 350, when the model designation was also moved to the upper tang, making this one of the earliest examples of the type. The rifle is fitted with the typical "sporting" German silver blade front sight and the early type reversed notch rear sight with the dovetail just 1 inch from the receiver, a feature seen on only approximately the first 1,361 Model 1873s, as well as a special ordered set trigger. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent buttplate.

Manufacturer: Winchester

Model: 1873

BBL: 24 inch octagon

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Finish: blue

Serial Number380

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Exceptionally fine, retaining 80% plus of the bright, original, high polish blue finish, 75% of the vibrant original case colors on the hammer, 50% of the original case colors on the lever, and 60% of the bright, original nitre blue on the loading gate, with the buttplate showing a silvery-grey patina, some scattered patches of brown patina and light wear, and scattered light handling marks. The nicely figured wood is also excellent with some scattered light dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. This rifle finds itself squarely among the very best early production Winchester Model 1873s we have ever cataloged. It is truly an elite example of one of the most iconic firearms of the American West and is ready to take its place as a centerpiece of a Winchester or frontier collection, standing tall as a true treasure of American history!

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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