May 23rd 2015 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/22/2015
According to the factory research, this gun was shipped on September 15th, 1875. Standard features include 24" round barrel, full magazine, blued finish, rifle butt, walnut stocks, and case colored hammer and lever. Factory letter confirms the above, as well as plain trigger and triple "X" wood. Letter states there is a compass in the stock, which there is not. It is engraved on the left side plate "L.C. Williamson" which is not listed in the letter, but this name is in the Winchester engraving book. Gun remains in excellent condition. Barrel has a pleasing mix of blue and brown patina with some minor freckling, as does the frame which still retains some of the brilliant original factory blue. Features the thumbprint dust cover. Wood is excellent with no cracks or chips. Traces of case colors on hammer and lever. The loading gate still has the majority of its original factory fire blue. Brass carrier is unmarked and unpolished. Strong clean bore with minor frosting and perfect action. Extremely fine and clean early First Model 1873 Rifle. Some further research on Mr. Williams could yield more interesting information about this fine rifle.