GUN SPRING 2018
The live portion of this session begins on Wednesday, March 21, 2018.
EXCELLENT WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 DELUXE PISTOL GRIP RIFLE. WINCHESTER 1873 279792 38 Cal. .38-40. 24-3/8" bbl. Rnd bbl, Rocky Mountain front sight, standard bbl rear sight. Dust cover is blue with a full case colored receiver, full mag. Cal marking on bottom of carrier lifter. Case colored buttplate with trapdoor. Lower tang is marked on left side "2024" with "XXX". H-style checkering with stock marked "615" in top channel of stock which indicates that butt has been changed at some point possibly by the Winchester factory during the period. Extra finish has been applied to stock over the existing finish though wood is full dimension and has not been sanded. Stock retains ebony insert in pistol grip. Forearm has added protective finish as well. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Records Office research sheet which confirms deluxe features and listing "Plain" Checkered PG Stock which has been upgraded, as noted above. PROVENANCE: The spectacular collections of Ray Bentley featuring the finest and rarest deluxe antique Winchesters in the world. CONDITION: Excellent. Bbl retains 95% blue, mag is 50-60% blue with balance turning patina, forearm cap is cased color and has 95% color remaining, left side receiver has 96% vivid colors as does the right side of receiver with same amount of case colors. Loading gate retains 97-98% nitre blue. Hammer has 95%+ case colors with no drag lines evident. Lever has 70-80% case colors turning to patina on the high points on bottom of lever. Lower tang retains 95%+ case colors. Upper tang maybe 30-40% colors, remaining turning to nickel-type finish. Standard checkering is excellent to very fine with no cracks or missing wood on stock or forearm. All screw heads, but one appear to be unturned. The sideplate screw is the only one appearing to be slightly used. Bright shiny bore, rifle cycles properly. Mechanics are excellent. 53091-139 MS (25,000-35,000)