Winchester 1873 octagon rifle in desirable, large caliber .38-40, serial number 167514, made during the Indian Wars/Frontier Period of 1884. This is the classic “Gun That Won the West!” An early and fine condition example, this 135 year old Winchester still retains fine deep aged blue patina on the barrel and magazine. The 24” octagon barrel also retains excellent and clear Winchester markings as does the upper tang. Walnut butt stock is of a better grade than usually found on standard rifles and shows very desirable tight wood to metal fit, indicating that this rifle’s wood has never been sanded or refinished. It correctly has the sliding brass door compartment in the butt plate for storing cleaning rods. This fine 1873 rifle also retains a very tight action and strong springs. The sliding dust cover on the receiver top is intact (these are usually missing) and the loading gate retains good deep original blue. The un-polished brass lifter on the receiver bottom is correctly and sharply engraved with “38 CAL” and shows an attractive mellow patina. The lever catch is also intact, and the screws are excellent. This superior, large caliber Model 1873 is in better condition than normally encountered on the collector market today. Even the bore is in fine condition and shows strong rifling. Has a buckhorn rear sight and small blade/bead front sight. A fine example of a rifle produced in a factory before the use of electricity that is as good and solid today as it was on the day it was made. The Model 1873 was the standard for lever actions throughout the Frontier Period in the West which, in some areas like Montana lasted well into the twentieth century. Most surviving specimens show heavy use and often abuse with broken or missing parts making this example far better than normally encountered. This rifle, in the very desirable large caliber .38-40, recently came out of Colorado. This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check. For a complete representation of condition and for additional images please call 800-686-4216. It is the buyer’s responsibility to view each image and preview the item to determine condition.