^Lot 111 Antique Winchester Model 1873 3rd Model Rifle

Antique Winchester Model 1873 3rd Model Lever Action Rifle, #255959B, .38 WCF (.38-40) cal., blued 24'' octagonal barrel, with buckhorn style open sights, marked with maker's name, address, and ''King's Improvement'' patent dates on top flat, and ''38 W.C.F.'' at breech; blued tubular cartridge magazine; blued receiver with sliding dustcover is marked ''Model 1873'' flanked by feather-like brackets on upper tang and serial number on lower; brass cartridge lifter is marked ''38 Cal.''; loop operating lever; oil-stained walnut forearm with steel nose cap, matching buttstock with steel crescent buttplate. Mfg'd 1888. Condition is very good. Barrel, mag tube, and receiver retain approx. 20% original blue, the balance blending into a smooth brown patina; buttplate a gunmetal gray with scattered discoloration. Stocks are sound and smooth showing the expected marks of age and use (but no abuse), have a 1''x1/2'' chip missing from toe of buttstock. Action is smooth; bore shines with deep rifling. This '73 is an untouched example of ''The Gun that Won the West.'' Est.: $800-$1,200. (Antique)