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Scarce and desirable Winchester Model 1873 lever action First Model rifle with raised thumbprint d

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:8,000.00 USD
Scarce and desirable Winchester Model 1873  lever action First Model rifle with raised  thumbprint d
All items are as is, no warranty or claims and All SALES ARE FINAL. Please examine prior to bidding as it is the bidder's responsibilty to establish condition, age, genuineness, value or any other determinative factors.
Scarce and desirable Winchester Model 1873 lever action First Model rifle with raised thumbprint dust cover, .44-40 cal., 24" round barrel, full magazine, rifle butt with long range Venier tang sight, serial #1349,shipped July 1874. The rifle shows 75-85%+ original bright blue thinning on the edges of the barrel and high points, but still very bright and inky. There are a few minor scratches and some just beginning lighterosion, normal aging towards the front of the muzzle. The markings are sharp, the edges are crisp, the forend cap shows 80-90% bright blue. The hammer and lever show about 50% case hardening drifting to a silverypatina. The dust cover shows 90%+ bright original blue as does the loading gate. The butt plate has drifted to silver and shows an old light cleaning. The bottom of the tang shows bright color, the inside of the levershows fiery case hardening. The bolt and firing pin show bright original finish; the bore is excellent and the interior shows almost no use. The wood is very good+ to near fine, with some slight handling and