Lot 1015

Antique Special Order Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle

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Antique Special Order Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle

Estimate: $15,000 - $25,000

Starting Bid: $13,000

(0 Bids)

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

Very Fine Antique Special Order Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle in .44-40 W.C.F. with Rare Documented Extra Length 28 Inch Barrel and Factory Letter Manufactured in 1890, this is a very fine example of a Winchester Model 1873 rifle with a special ordered 28 inch extra length barrel. The included factory letter lists the rifle in .44 caliber with a 28 inch octagon barrel and plain trigger when received at the warehouse on 24 November 1890 and shipped on 4 June 1894 with one other Model 1873 to order no. 14566. These Model 1873s saw use on the American frontier in large numbers, becoming a legendary icon affectionately referred to as "the gun that won the West". Often seeing many years of hard use in the harsh environment of the West, relatively few examples remain in high condition like this for today's collectors. This example has the Third Model receiver with the integral dust cover guide and dust cover with grip serrations at the rear. The top of the special ordered 28 inch barrel 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 designation is on the upper tang, and the serial number is on the lower tang. It is fitted with a No. 21 German silver blade front sight and an elevation adjustable No. 24 notch rear sight. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent buttplate.

Manufacturer: Winchester

Model: 1873

BBL: 28 inch octagon

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Finish: blue

Serial Number362270B

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Very fine, retains 75% plus of the original blue finish, 60% plus of the original case colors on the lever, hammer, and buttplate; and 30% of the original nitre blue on the loading gate with the balance a mixed grey and brown patina, a couple scattered patches of very light pitting, and a few light dings. The wood is also very fine with some scattered minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent.

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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