Lot 1012

Antique Special Order Winchester Model 1873 Rifle

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Antique Special Order Winchester Model 1873 Rifle

Estimate: $14,000 - $22,500

Starting Bid: $12,000

(0 Bids)

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

Scarce Antique Special Order Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle with Rare Documented Extra Length 34 Inch Round Barrel and Factory Letter Manufactured in 1885, this is a fine example of Winchester's Model 1873, "the gun that won the West", that was special ordered with a very rare 34 inch extra length barrel. These rifles provided multiple benefits to those who special ordered them, with the two most prominent being a larger magazine capacity and a longer sighting plane for increased accuracy. Large numbers of these Model 1873s saw extensive use in the American West for both hunting and protection, and this particular example certainly shows the character of a gun that served some time on the frontier. The included factory letter lists the rifle in .32 caliber with a 34 inch round barrel and plain trigger when received at the warehouse on 22 June 1885 and shipped on 12 June 1885 to order no. 21228 (the letter notes that these dates are listed this way in the ledger). The letter further notes two repair and return dates of 13 March 1891 and 20 June 1904. Specific data is not available, but the 34 inch barrels appear to be one of, if not the, most rare of the special ordered extra lengths, and we have only ever cataloged one other example here at Rock Island Auction Company. The rarity of these 34 inch barrels is likely due to 36 inches being the longest offered, so anyone interested in such a long barrel would likely just opt for the 2 inch longer 36 inch when ordering. In the discussion of barrel lengths in Gordon's "Winchester's New Model of 1873: A Tribute Vol. I", there are no 34 inch examples pictured, further indicating their rarity. Gordon also notes that of the extra length barrels he observed, around 90% of them were octagon, making this round barreled example even more scarce. The top of the special ordered 34 inch barrel is marked with the standard two-line address, while the caliber marking is at the breech and on the bottom of the cartridge elevator. The upper tang is marked with the model designation, while the serial number is on the lower tang. It is fitted with a blued "Rocky Mountain" blade front sight with platinum inlaid centerline and an elevation adjustable No. 22 notch rear sight, as well as a pair of factory pattern sling swivels, which were quite possibly installed during one of the return and repair dates. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Manufacturer: Winchester

Model: 1873

BBL: 34 inch round

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 32-20 WCF

Finish: blue

Serial Number183801B

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Very good, retains 30% of the original blue finish, mostly on the barrel, 30% of the original case colors on the hammer, and 25% of the original nitre blue on the loading gate with the balance a mixed grey and brown patina, some scattered patches of light pitting, and the forward portion of the magazine tube showing some touch up. The re-oiled wood is also very good with scattered minor dings and scratches. Mechanically functions. A Winchester Model 1873 rifle with frontier character and an extremely scarce special ordered 34 inch barrel!

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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