This is a very early 3rd Model 1873 rifle in 44-40 with standard 24" octagon barrel, full magazine, and crescent rifle buttplate w/ sliding trapdoor.  The serial number is in the 90,000 range which dates its production to the year 1882.  Of the 634,000 3rd Model 1873's built by Winchester from 1882-1923, this was one of the first 5,000 during that first year.  One feature you might notice that's correct on early 3rd models is the shorter style rear sight.  This sight was standard on the 1st and 2nd Model 1873's as well as 4th Model 1866's.  It was  and used on the early 3rd models up to around the 110-120,000 serial range before it was discontinued in favor of the longer semi-buckhorn rear sight.  The front sight has the standard German silver blade. 

Overall condition is NRA antique Fine with 65% thinning original blue on the frame that is mixing with a light patina.  Barrel and magazine tube have 70% thinning original blue overall.  Hammer shows 50% faded case colors while the lever has turned mostly to a mottled brown patina.  The loading port still shows 60% original fire blue.  Screws are generally good overall....a few show turn marks but all are 100% serviceable.  The only notable blemishes on this rifle are the barrel and frame shows some marks like someone was trying to unscrew the barrel to clean it.  Black powder era guns were tough to clean, especially repeating rifles with complex actions, so 19th century Winchester catalogs actually encouraged owners to remove the barrels for cleaning.  Unfortunately, this was much easier said than accomplished as witnessed here.  Barrel has nice 2 line address and no caliber designation on either the barrel or loading block.  Since 44-40 was the original caliber for the Model 73, I guess Winchester didn't feel the need to mark the calibers like they did on the 32-20's and 38-40's. This is correct for all 44-40's made prior to approximately the year 1884.  The wood is in fine condition retaining a considerable amount of original varnish with perfect wood to metal fit.  No chips, cracks or repairs. Excellent action and mechanics with the lever still snapping shut.  Fine+ to Excellent bore with strong rifling that's bright and shiny with just a few minor pits.  For a black powder ere 1882 vintage Model 1873 3rd model, someone must have gone to great lengths to keep the bore clean on this rifle.  A nice example of a very early 3rd Model.

Item# 8212

$4150.00