April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
Factory research indicates serial No. 245283 was shipped on September 10th, 1887 as an octagon barrel .44 rifle with half magazine and plain trigger. This lovely special order .44 caliber Model 1873 features include octagonal blue barrel, button magazine, Winchester sporting front sight, adjustable sporting rear sight, blued finish, case colored lever, hammer and crescent buttplate with trapdoor; and plain straight walnut stocks. CONDITION: Octagon barrel retains approximately 90% original factory blue blending with homogeneous patina showing under the finish with wear on edges and some light aging. Sharp legends. Dust cover retains traces of blue blending to soft patina. Frame exhibits approximately 85-90% mirror finish, high luster factory blue that collectors are looking for; light patina can be seen under the finish, with a couple of typical striations and some scattered handling marks. Hammer retains 50% or better case colors while the lever and buttplate have basically darkened. Walnut stocks are proud to metal that have been freshened up at one time, but not sanded, and now have a smooth oil finish with virtually no nicks or bruises; rifle had a small internal hairline crack at the wrist that was masterfully restored by an Amish craftsman and is virtually no longer present. Strong, rifled bore with sharp lands and grooves. Fine action. This gun is in superb condition for being 141 years old and it would be hard to upgrade to a finer example.