Early First Model Winchester Model 1873 Built in 1875 Button Magazine
Serial #10274, .44 W.C.F. (.44-40), 24 inch round barrel with a very fine bore with strong rifling and light roughness. This is an iconic Winchester First Model 1873 lever action rifle manufactured in 1875 featuring a short magazine. This classic relic of the West was at some point in the distant past adorned with brass tacks and truly looks the part of the “Gun that won the West”. In very good overall condition the barrel and frame are now mostly plum-brown to gray with some scattered mild surface marks and small contusions. The walnut stock and forearm are both solid with a small crack just behind the tang with the wood slightly shrunk so the heel is just shy of the butt plate and a newer scratch on the forearm. The front sight appears original to the gun with a later added adjustable rear sporting leaf sight and there is an added dovetail. It functions well mechanically with a smooth lever action holding at half and full cock. The crescent metal butt plate has the sliding door for the cleaning rod which is not present. Included is a sheet from Winchester confirming the magazine configeration and showing shipment on October 05, 1875. Antique
Tags: Winchester 1873 .44-40