GUN SPRING 2018
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/21/2018
EXTREMELY DESIRABLE AND RARE DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 RIFLE WITH BEAUTIFUL FLAME GRAIN WOOD. WINCHESTER 1873 378171 32 ESA Cal. .32 WCF. 24-3/8" bbl. Full oct bbl marked "WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS NEW HAVEN CONN. USA / KINGS IMPROVEMENT PATENT MARCH 29, 1866 OCTOBER 16, 1860". Rifle features brilliant case colored receiver, blued dust cover with case colored hammer and lever. Deluxe grade oil-finished flame-figured walnut on forearm and stock. H-style checkering with a metal shotgun butt and half-mag. Lower tang is marked "3235 XXX" with "32-S", buttplate is marked with "3235". All deluxe features including Lyman ivory bead front sight are verified by Cody Firearms Records Office research sheet showing shipment on March 10, 1891 and including change to 1/2 magazine on May 9, 1891. PROVENANCE: The spectacular collections of Ray Bentley featuring the finest and rarest deluxe antique Winchesters in the world. CONDITION: Excellent. Oct bbl retains 95% bright blue has a series of small scratches on right side of bbl only on 1 flat and in 1 place. Forearm cap retains all of its case colors, most of which are vivid. Left side of receiver retains 90-05% colors, most of which are vivid and rainbow colored. Right side of receiver has 90-95% case colors, majority is vivid. Loading gate retains 97-98% nitre blue. Hammer with 97-98% case colors with no drag lines. Lever is 95-96% case colors as well. Cal marking on carrier lifter retains dark mustard color. Lower tang retains 96-97% case colors. Shotgun butt only wear evident is on heel with balance orig dark blue with 95% blue remaining. Oil finish stock with minor impressions on left side and also minor impression on right side; minor surface scratches on both sides. No chips or cracks evident on stock. Forearm also has minor surface scratches and surface impressions with no cracks or chips of wood missing. All screw heads appear to be unturned. Action is excellent. Bore is bright and shiny. 53091-138 MS (20,000-30,000)