Description
Click here to view the Live Auction 1119248774
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this MUSEUM-QUALITY ANTIQUE lever-action rifle for a penny-start auction; this is the Winchester 1873 Deluxe!
This extraordinary Winchester Model 1873 Deluxe Rifle, serial number 546554, stands as a true rarity among American firearms and represents one of the most desirable factory configurations ever cataloged. According to the included factory letter and original Winchester records housed in the Cody Firearms Museum, this rifle was manufactured in .44 caliber with a 20" octagon barrel—shorter than the standard 24", placing it in the exceptionally scarce category of one in every 450 rifles produced. Received and shipped on May 2, 1900, under order number 3883, it features a plain trigger, fancy checkered stock, sling and swivel, and is documented as being factory engraved with a $2.00 engraving fee—another rare detail with factory engraving appearing on just one in every 700 Model 1873 rifles. Additional special-order features include plated components (1 in 600), special wood (1 in 600), checkering (1 in 700), fisheye sling swivels (1 in 1,200), and a sporting rear sight—making this rifle a remarkable convergence of rare Winchester factory options.
A rifle of this caliber is not only exceptionally scarce but represents a singular blend of utility, craftsmanship, and artistry that few firearms achieve. While the factory records do not identify the engraver by name, the fine scrollwork and stylistic elements suggest the hand of either Conrad or Herman Leslie Ulrich—two of Winchester’s most esteemed master engravers of the era. The level of embellishment, premium features, and overall condition elevate this firearm beyond collector-grade status into the realm of museum-quality artistry. With all special features backed by factory documentation and rarity percentages cited from the authoritative Madis Winchester Book, this rifle offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own what is truly one of the rarest and most exceptional Winchester Model 1873s known to exist.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Winchester
Model: 1873 Deluxe
Serial: 546554
Date of Manufacture: 1900
Caliber: .44-40 Cal. (.44 WCF)
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 20" Octagon Barrel
Optics/Sights: Dovetail Blade Front with Elevation Adjustable (Sporting) Rear
Stock/Grips: Fancy Checkered Burl Grain Walnut Straight Grip Stock and Forearm
Action: Lever-Action Rifle
Markings: Standard / Features FACTORY engraving of a running buck on the left sideplate and scroll on the right.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Winchester Model 1873 Deluxe Rifle—especially when factory engraved—represents the pinnacle of 19th-century American firearms craftsmanship, blending precision engineering with ornate aesthetic artistry. The Model 1873 itself is often dubbed “The Gun That Won the West,” and for good reason: it offered a rugged and reliable lever-action design, a high-capacity tubular magazine, and was chambered in the same calibers as many popular revolvers of the era, making it an ideal companion for frontier use. The Deluxe variant elevates the platform with upgraded wood stocks, often made from finely figured walnut with hand checkering, and added embellishments that reflected the status and taste of its owner. Factory engraving, particularly from the Winchester Custom Shop or artisans such as John Ulrich, transformed these rifles into presentation-grade pieces. Designs ranged from modest scrollwork to elaborate game scenes, and many were inlaid with silver or gold, making each engraved 1873 Deluxe a one-of-a-kind heirloom. From a collector’s perspective, a factory-engraved Winchester 1873 Deluxe is one of the most desirable rifles in American arms collecting. These rifles were not mass-produced in the same numbers as standard models, and their ornate detailing adds both historical intrigue and significant value. Factory documentation, such as letters from the Cody Firearms Museum, can confirm provenance and authenticity, which plays a major role in determining desirability. The condition of the engraving, the quality of the wood, the originality of components, and the presence of special-order features such as set triggers, octagon barrels, or pistol grips all contribute to the rifle's allure. When encountered in excellent condition with documented factory embellishments, the Winchester 1873 Deluxe stands as a museum-worthy example of American gunmaking excellence—an intersection of art, utility, and history that continues to captivate collectors and historians alike.
Contents:
Model: 1873 Deluxe
Serial: 546554
Date of Manufacture: 1900
Caliber: .44-40 Cal. (.44 WCF)
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 20" Octagon Barrel
Optics/Sights: Dovetail Blade Front with Elevation Adjustable (Sporting) Rear
Stock/Grips: Fancy Checkered Burl Grain Walnut Straight Grip Stock and Forearm
Action: Lever-Action Rifle
Markings: Standard / Features FACTORY engraving of a running buck on the left sideplate and scroll on the right.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Winchester Model 1873 Deluxe Rifle—especially when factory engraved—represents the pinnacle of 19th-century American firearms craftsmanship, blending precision engineering with ornate aesthetic artistry. The Model 1873 itself is often dubbed “The Gun That Won the West,” and for good reason: it offered a rugged and reliable lever-action design, a high-capacity tubular magazine, and was chambered in the same calibers as many popular revolvers of the era, making it an ideal companion for frontier use. The Deluxe variant elevates the platform with upgraded wood stocks, often made from finely figured walnut with hand checkering, and added embellishments that reflected the status and taste of its owner. Factory engraving, particularly from the Winchester Custom Shop or artisans such as John Ulrich, transformed these rifles into presentation-grade pieces. Designs ranged from modest scrollwork to elaborate game scenes, and many were inlaid with silver or gold, making each engraved 1873 Deluxe a one-of-a-kind heirloom. From a collector’s perspective, a factory-engraved Winchester 1873 Deluxe is one of the most desirable rifles in American arms collecting. These rifles were not mass-produced in the same numbers as standard models, and their ornate detailing adds both historical intrigue and significant value. Factory documentation, such as letters from the Cody Firearms Museum, can confirm provenance and authenticity, which plays a major role in determining desirability. The condition of the engraving, the quality of the wood, the originality of components, and the presence of special-order features such as set triggers, octagon barrels, or pistol grips all contribute to the rifle's allure. When encountered in excellent condition with documented factory embellishments, the Winchester 1873 Deluxe stands as a museum-worthy example of American gunmaking excellence—an intersection of art, utility, and history that continues to captivate collectors and historians alike.
Contents:
This example will ship with the serialized factory letter and The Winchester Book by George Madis as pictured above!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
