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Engraved Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:800.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Engraved Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle
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Estimate: $2000 - 4000
This is a Second Model with the dust cover rail secured to the receiver by two screws. No serial number is visible, the left side of the lower tang under the stock and the inside toe of the buttplate are marked with a "5". The top barrel flat ahead of the rear sight is marked with the two line address/King's Improvement patent dates, there is no caliber designation on the barrel or cartridge elevator, (gauges at 44 caliber), and the upper tang is marked "MODEL 1873". The receiver is engraved with floral scroll and punch dot designs, with a scroll on the right side plate and a decorative panel on the left. Without the serial number RIAC is unable to determine if the engraving is factory or custom, it is most likely New York, engraved at least it is definitely of the period. Brass blade front and adjustable rear buck horn sights. Mounted with custom checkered walnut forearm, engraved steel forend cap, straight grip stock, nickel plated crescent buttplate and sling swivel.
BBL: 24 inch part octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 44-40
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Condition: Period engraved with a smooth mottled brown patina on the metal surfaces. The edges of the octagon portion of the barrel are a bit rounded and there are several minor dings and dents. The wood has been sanded, custom checkered and re-oiled with a sliver absent on the lower left grip area at the tang. A few overall scattered minor dings and handling marks and a small hole in the top of the comb, about 1 1/2 inches back from the front. The dust cover is a crude modern replacement. The buttplate is a bit ill-fitting at the toe and it retains most of the re-plated nickel. The markings are clear. The action is very good.