Antique 44 WCF Winchester Model 1873 Rifle & Cody Letter Mfg 1890

Serial #341669B, .44 WCF (.44-40), 24 inch round barrel with a good dark bore with light pitting and fair rifling.  This is a 3rd Model Winchester Model 1873 rifle that shipped from the Winchester warehouse on July 01, 1890 which has the improved integral dovetail dust cover rib.   The barrel is well marked “WINCHESTER'S-REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN CT. / KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29.1866. OCTOBER 16.1860.” The metal surfaces are mostly gray with areas of cleaned pitting on the bottom of the magazine tube and along the bottom and left rear side of the action and lever.  The stock and forearm are solid showing a surface line crack on the bottom of the forearm running with the grain for about 3 inches from the metal cap with some overall contusions and scratches and has initials lightly carved on the left side of the stock.  The brass lifter reads “.44 CAL”. It is sighted with an adjustable rear sporting sight and German silver blade front sight.   The action functions properly with a smooth and crisp lever and working dust cover.  A great antique 44 caliber Model 73 that would be right at home for a Cowboy shoot.  Antique