GUN FALL 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2017
WINCHESTER 3RD MODEL 1873 RIFLE WITH BEACH'S COMBINATION FRONT SIGHT VERNIER TANG SIGHT WITH FACTORY LETTER.WINCHESTER187319072438WCFCal. 38 WCF. 24" rnd bbl, full magazine, Beach's combination front sight, buckhorn rear sight and vernier tang sight. Blue finish, straight grain American walnut stocks with crescent buttplate. 4-pc steel cleaning rod present in butt. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter confirming features with the exception of front sight and tang sight showing shipment on October 5, 1885 to Order Number 1230. Also included is a typed George Madis letter about this rifle. PROVENANCE: The collection of Tim Zissler. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl and magazine tube show 90% plus blue finish that is drifting to a pleasing plum/brown color. There are a few minor scratches. Gold plated Beach's front sight is fine. Bbl markings are sharp. Bore is bright with strong rifling. Receiver retains 90% blue finish with some light staining on either side especially in front of loading gate. All receiver markings are sharp. Tang sight was not removed. Loading gate shows almost all of the fire blue finish. Elevator is a smooth mustard patina with sharp mark. Hammer and lever both retain a generous amount of case color finish. Tang sight also retains considerable blue. Stocks are fine, full sized and retain nearly all of the varnish finish with miniscule handling marks overall. Buttplate is a grey/brown patina with traces of case color. Forend cap retains 95% of blue finish. Mechanics are crisp. A chance to buy a very nice Model 73 rifle in a great Cal. to shoot. 52471-15 TEP (5,000-8,000)