Lot 1006

Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle

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Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle

Estimate: $18,000 - $25,000

Starting Bid: $16,000

(0 Bids)

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

Outstanding Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter Manufactured in 1903, this is an outstanding example of Winchester's iconic Model 1873, also known as "the gun that won the West". In regards to the American West, and perhaps America in general, there are few more iconic duos than the Winchester Model 1873 and the Colt Single Action Army revolver. Sharing many common calibers such as .38 W.C.F., these two guns were easily paired as a primary weapon and sidearm using the same ammunition. Made when much of the American West remained wild, this standard configuration Model 1873 has remained in incredible condition for all these years, especially considering the majority of these standard rifles were viewed as tools, seeing hard working lives. Model '73s like this one often remained in service well into the 20th century in the West, having forged a trusted legacy during the late 19th century as a rugged and dependable companion. These rifles remain one of the most recognizable firearms of the American frontier and high condition examples such as this one are highly sought after by today's collectors. The included factory letter lists the rifle in .38 caliber with an octagon barrel and plain trigger when received at the warehouse on 24 February 1903 and shipped from the warehouse on 27 March 1903 along with 19 other guns in this configuration to order no. T106025. The rifle has the standard Winchester markings. 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 containing an included four-piece metal cleaning rod.

Manufacturer: Winchester

Model: 1873

BBL: 24 inch octagon

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 38-40 WCF

Finish: blue

Serial Number565355B

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

  • Condition: Excellent, retains 97% plus of the bright, original, high polish blue finish, 85% plus of the original case colors, and 98% plus of the original nitre blue on the loading gate with some scattered very light handling marks and a few patches of extremely light surface freckling. The wood is also excellent with a few scattered minor dings and a couple light white scuffs near the buttplate. Mechanically excellent. High condition examples of Winchester's iconic Model 1873 are very rare, and one would look a long time to find another example as good as this!

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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