April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
According to the factory letter, this rifle was shipped on May 31st, 1877 with a half octagon barrel, case colored frame, lever, and hammer, plain trigger, triple X checkered stock and short magazine. The sights are not mentioned in letter; German nickel sporting front and long tang Winchester semi-buckhorn rear sight. This is an early 1st Model with the second type oval thumbprint dust cover (not raised). All internal numbers are matching, including buttstock. CONDITION: This rifle remains today in outstanding, all original condition. Barrel retains 95%+ original factory blue finish with razor sharp edges and sharp legends. The forend cap retains approximately 70% original case colors. Overall, the frame retains approximately 70% case colors with the balance nickeled out. Hammer retains 95% colors, some vivid. The same can be said for the sides of the lever, which has nickeled out on the base. The 3X walnut exhibits fiery grain and the original checkering is still sharp. Even the buttplate retains approximately 80% original colors. Loading gate retains nearly all of its bright nitre blue finish. Screw heads are true. Wood is proud to metal. There is a small 1/8" wood repair on left upper forend at frame. Bore exhibits sharp lands and grooves with mirror brightness. Fine action. It never ceases to amaze this writer as to how a gun survives in such condition over such a long length of time, and its possession by several generations. This is a truly exceptional 1st Model that will thrill even the most discriminating collector. As an added note, for those not familiar with 1st Model 1873's, the caliber is not marked on either the barrel or lifter as it was only available in .44 caliber at the time.