Lot 73

Winchester Model 1873 .44-40 Lever Rifle w/ Papers

Estimate: $2,000 - $4,000

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,500 $250
$5,000 $500
$7,000 $1,000
Featured in this lot is a Winchester Model 1873 lever action rifle chambered in .44-40 caliber and comes with museum record paper. The rifle was manufactured in 1883 by Winchester Repeating Arms Company with the serial number 122122. This is the famed “Gun That Won The West,” and undoubtedly one of Winchesters earliest and most popular repeating rifles. This fine example is typical of those found in every barn, saddle scabbard and behind every ranch house kitchen door during the Frontier Years. Made uninterruptedly from 1873 through 1923, the 1873 is perhaps the most iconic of Winchester’s early products and found favor with hunters, ranchers, farmers, lawmen and outlaws. It was, and still is, known for having the smoothest action of any Winchester model. Its mechanism has few internal parts, and by removing the side plates, it is extremely simple to clean and repair if needed. This was a huge selling point in sparsely populated areas where a gunsmith might by many days' ride away. A frontiersman or hunter with a few spare parts and a screwdriver would never have to worry about his rifle becoming out of service. This example features a 26" long round barrel, magazine tube, walnut stock and foregrip, and aged blue barrel and receiver. The top of the barrel is marked "Winchester's - Repeating - Arms. New Haven. CT. King's Improvement - Patented - March 29,1865. October 16, 1860". The tang of the rifle is marked "Model 1873" with the serial number across the underside of the tang reading "122122A". The rifle comes with a record from the Cody Firearms Museum with information on the rifle. Correct Winchester markings and patent dates on the barrel and upper tang are sharp and clear and the mechanism is tight and crisp. Serial Number: 122122. This firearm qualifies as an antique and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.*