GUN SPRING 2018
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/21/2018
EXCELLENT AND RARE RARE WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 FIRST MODEL RIFLE.WINCHESTER18731864244-40Cal. 44-40. 24-3/8" bbl. Full blued receiver. Oval thumbprint dust cover. Winchester early tang sight. Rifle butt. Straight grain American walnut w/ matching forearm. Sling swivels attached to both underside of stock and underside of the forend cap. Early style mag tube is evident and has case colored hammer and lever. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Records Office research sheet confirming the rifle's configuration and shipped from warehouse on July 31, 1876. PROVENANCE: The spectacular collections of Ray Bentley featuring the finest and rarest deluxe antique Winchesters in the world. CONDITION: Excellent. Full oct bbl has 95% plus blue with the magazine turning to a dark plum color and the balance blue. Forearm cap rates 60-70% blue. Left side of the receiver is a good 70-80% blue with the balance turning plum. Right side 95% blue light on the edges. Hammer retains full case colors dark and the lever has case colors in protected areas. Screw heads indicate little or no turning, they are in very fine condition. Forearm has 95% of finish with no cracks or chips missing. Wood to metal fitting is fine. Stock has 95% finish on the left side with a few light scratches and surface marks and impressions. Right side rates 95%. Blue on lower tang around locking lever area indicates 30% blue and 70% patina color. Rifle cycles properly and the bore is bright. This is an extremely fine third year production First Model 1873 rifle and will please the most discerning collector of 1873's. 53091-29 MS (20,000-30,000)