4017 HIGH CONDITION WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 LEVER ACTION

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 2,500.00 USD
Estimated at 5,000.00 - 8,000.00 USD
MUSKET WITH CODY LETTER. Cal. 44-40 W.C.F. S# 571281. Bbl. 30". Model 1873 lever action musket mfg. by Winchester in 1903. The top of the rnd. bbl. is marked "WINCHESTER'S REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CT./ KING'S IMPROVEMENT PATENTED MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16. 1860.", with the cal. designation "44 W.C.F" stamped over the top at the breech. Receiver, bbl., and bbl. bands exhibit their original factory blue finish, with the lever, hammer, and buttplate exhibiting their original factory case color hardened finish. Smooth American walnut straight grip buttstock with full musket length forearm. Blade front sight with ladder rear sight. Buttplate features a brass trapdoor. Cleaning rods are not present. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Cody Firearms Museum letter indicating that the S# was applied on August 19th of 1903, the rifle was received in the warehouse on September 15th of 1903, and was then subsequently shipping from the warehouse on September 18th of 1903 (Order Number: 13880). CONDITION: metal components retain bountiful amounts of their original factory blue finish, exhibiting some superficial handling marks and some concentrated spots of light to mild wear (primarily on the 2 rearmost bbl. bands and around the muzzle) that show through to gray and brown patinas, with a few small scattered spots of light pitting and surface oxidation overall. Lever and hammer retain the majority of their original vibrant case color hardened finish, with the buttplate exhibiting wear overall and retaining fair to good amounts of case coloring on the tang. Brilliant mirror bore, exhibiting well defined rifling throughout. Wood furniture shows scattered marks and impressions from handling and storage, but otherwise presents nicely and remains sturdy and serviceable. An extremely attractive and high condition example of a Winchester Model 1873 musket. (24-1470/MLW). CURIO. $5,000-8,000.