Lot 1

Antique Winchester Second Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle

Previous image preload Next image preload

Antique Winchester Second Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle

Estimate: $8,000 - $12,000

Starting Bid: $7,000

(0 Bids)

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

Exceptional Antique Winchester Second Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle in .44-40 W.C.F. with Factory Letter Manufactured in 1881, this exceptionally fine rifle has the second model receiver, with dust cover guide retained with two screws and dust cover with gripping serrations at the rear. The Model 1873 is often cited as one of the "guns that won the West", and thus many of these earlier production, standard configuration, "working" guns saw hard use on the unforgiving Western Frontier, making high condition examples such as this one very rare. The '73 found widespread popularity in the American West due in part to sharing many calibers with Colt's legendary "Peacemaker", allowing one to carry a longarm and a sidearm that both used the same ammunition. The included factory letter lists the rifle with a octagon barrel and plain trigger when received at the warehouse on 11 April 1881, and shipped on 13 July 1881 in order number 26697. The top of the barrel has the standard Winchester address and King's patent marking. The rifle correctly lacks caliber markings as the Model 1873 was initially only offered in .44 W.C.F. and it was considered standard. The model designation is marked on the upper tang, and the serial number is on the lower tang. It is fitted with a set of "sporting" sights including a No. 21 German silver blade front and an elevation adjustable No. 22 notch rear sight. 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 Number69508

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Exceptionally fine, retains 75% plus of the original blue finish, 85% plus of the vibrant original case colors on the hammer and lever, and 70% plus of the original nitre blue on the loading gate with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina and some scattered light dings and scratches. The refinished wood is fine with a small discreet spot of filler on the forearm and some scattered light dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. It is difficult to find these early Winchester '73s in high condition like this!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Rock Island Auction will contact you shortly after the auction has completed. We will arrange for shipping and or pickup.

Rock Island Auction Company

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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