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Fine Winchester .22 Caliber Model 1873 Rifle with Model 62-B Folding Peep Sight

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:0.00 USD Estimated At:6,000.00 - 9,000.00 USD
Fine Winchester .22 Caliber Model 1873 Rifle with Model 62-B Folding Peep Sight
Winchester .22 caliber model 1873 Rifle manufactured in 1886. The rifle has a blue finish with case-hardened hammer, loading lever and crescent buttplate. The walnut stock and forearm have a varnished finish. The rifle is fitted with special order sling swivels on the forearm cap and stock and is complete with what appears to be the original russet leather sling with ladder buckle. The barrel has a Marbles "No.5 Standard Front Sight" with gold bead and a sporting style rear sight. A rare Model 62-B folding tang peep sight is mounted on the receiver tang. This rare sight was designed specifically for the Model 1873 Winchester and is illustrated and described on page 189 of "THE WINCHESTER BOOK" by George Madis. The rifle has the stepped receiver found on .22 caliber Model 1873 Winchester rifles, one-piece extractor and heavy steel magazine tube with separate stop spring. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the two-line legend "WINCHESTER'S-REPEATING ARMS.NEW HAVEN. CT./KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29.1866. OCTOBER 16.1860." ahead of the rear sight. "22 CAL" is stamped on the top of the barrel between the rear sight and the receiver. The cartridge elevator is engraved "22 CAL./SHORT" in two lines. The upper receiver tang is roll-stamped "{ MODEL 1873 }" in fancy letters with foliate designs at either end and the serial number, "198979" is stamped on the lower tang behind the lever latch. The face of the Model 62-B tang sight is marked: "PAT. JUNE 14 1881".
BBL: 24 inch
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 22 RF Short
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 198979B
Condition: Very fine. The rifle retains 75% of the original blue and casehardened finish and is in exceptional condition for a .22 caliber Model 1873 Rifle. The bore is bright; a good bore is extremely rare on any early .22 caliber rifle. The markings on the barrel and receiver are crisp. The stock and forearm are in very good condition with most of the original finish and light handling wear. The sling is in good overall condition with some scattered flaking. This is a really outstanding example of the first .22 caliber rifle manufactured by Winchester and a key piece in any M1873 or lever action Winchester collection.