Early Winchester 1873 rifle in .32 WCF (.32-20) caliber. This is an outstanding example with serial number 258096 was manufactured in 1888. Interestingly, the .32 WCF chambering was not introduced in the Model 1873 until 1882- 9 years into production. Between the .44 WCF and .38 WCF chamberings, it can be correctly assumed that very few .32 WCF 1873 Winchesters were manufactured in the 1880s. This example with standard 24” round barrel and full magazine retains excellent deep blue on the receiver with only minor age-brown mixing mainly on the upper tang and edges. It retains the original dust cover- these often missing. The stock is original and in excellent condition with correct solid steel crescent butt plate without the trap for cleaning rods- only the .38 and .44 caliber rifles had the trap in the butt. The forend is also in fine condition and both stock and forend show very tight wood to metal fit. The barrel and magazine tube display fine deep blue with only light aging. The action is very tight and the hammer has a strong safety half-cock. For such an early black powder rifle, the bore is surprisingly fine with strong rifling and only light scattered corrosion. The correct barrel and tang markings are sharp and the barrel is fitted with the original buckhorn rear sight with elevator bar and small Winchester blade front sight. The brass lifter on the bottom of the frame is uncleaned and unpolished, showing a deep mustard yellow patina. The 1873 Winchester, also known as the “Gun that Won the West,” was Winchester’s first repeating lever action rifle to take the reloadable center fire ammunition which was an important asset on the frontier. Often these rifles were paired with a handgun, like the Colt Single Action Army revolver, of the same caliber. Early examples in this fine state of preservation are difficult to find. This one is superior to most encountered. The rifle weighs 8lbs 2oz. Serial Number: 258096. This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.