Lot 1004

Antique Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 Rifle

Previous image preload Next image preload

Antique Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 Rifle

Estimate: $8,500 - $13,000

Starting Bid: $7,500

(0 Bids)

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

Attractive and Desirable Antique Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle with Casehardened Receiver and Factory Letter Manufactured in 1888, this is a fine example of a special ordered, deluxe Winchester Model 1873 rifle, famously referred to as "the gun that won the West". The Winchester '73 found its way to the frontier in very large numbers in all sorts of configurations, forging a legacy for both itself and the Winchester company. The included factory letter lists the rifle in .38 caliber with an octagon barrel, set trigger, casehardened finish, and a checkered pistol grip stock when received at the warehouse on 3 April 1888 and shipped on 4 April 1888, to order no. 6387. The special order casehardened receiver is the third model variation with the integral dust cover guide and dust cover with grip serrations at the rear. The top barrel flat is marked with the standard two-line address and King's patent marking, while the caliber marking is at the breech and on the bottom of the cartridge elevator. The model marking is on the upper tang, and the serial number is marked on the lower tang, correctly perpendicular to the line of the rifle. The left side of the lower tang has the assembly number "1652 XX 38", with "1652" repeated in the stock inlet and inside the buttplate. The "6" and the "5" in the assembly number on the left of the tang were stamped over different numbers at the factory. It is fitted with a German silver "Rocky Mountain" type blade front sight and an elevation adjustable No. 22 notch rear sight. It is mounted with a very nicely figured forearm and pistol grip stock with an ebony insert at the base of the grip, both showing factory H-pattern deluxe checkering, and fitted with a trapdoor crescent buttplate.

Manufacturer: Winchester

Model: 1873

BBL: 26 inch octagon

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 38-40 WCF

Finish: blue/casehardened

Serial Number258219

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Fine, retains 70% of the original blue finish, 30% of the original case colors, and 40% of the original nitre blue on the loading gate with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina and some patches of light surface freckling on the receiver. The wood is also fine with scattered minor dings and scratches, some mild varnish wear on the grip areas, and mostly crisp checkering. Mechanically functions.

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