*SOLD* 1890 Winchester Mod 1873 .32-20 WCF 24" *"GUN THAT WON THE WEST"*

Bryant Ridge's Analysis:

The Winchester Model 1873 is often referred to as “the gun that won the west,” and while the huge numbers produced and the overall popularity of the model in the American West may suggest there is some truth in that statement, it is in all reality hyperbole. Introduced in 1873, the Model 1873 was a significant improvement on the earlier Winchester Model 1866. The primary improvements revolved around the introduction of a reloadable centerfire cartridge (the Winchester .44 Center Fire, better known as the .44-40 or the .44 WCF) and an iron (later steel) frame and provided greater strength than the M-1873s brass framed predecessor. The Model 1873 remained in production for just under a half-century, from 1873 to 1919, and during that time, some 720,610 arms were produced in a dizzying array of configurations and variations. However, in simple terms, the gun was available in carbine, rifle, and musket models, with the “standard” barrel lengths being 20”, 24”, and 30”, respectively, with full-length magazines standard on all models. Of course, custom barrel lengths, as well as custom magazine lengths, sights, features, and finishes, were always available at additional cost.

The Model 1873 went through three major “model” improvements during its lifetime, designated by collectors as 1st Model, 2nd Model and 3rd Model. Most of these changes were relatively minor in terms of the actual operation and functionality of the weapons, with small manufacturing changes to the lever, trigger and hammer mounting, dust cover and dust cover rails being typical of the improvements. Detailed analysis of these modifications can be found in the exhaustive study, The Winchester Book by George Madis. From a collector standpoint, more important evolutionary changes were the introduction of new calibers, including .38-40 (1879) and .32-20 (1882). Slightly less than 20,000 M-1873s were also produced in .22 RF.

Specifications:

• Manufacturer: Winchester 
• Model: 1873
• Serial: 352388B
• Date of Manufacture: 1890
• Caliber: .32-20 WCF
• Finish: Blue
• Barrel Length: 24"
• Optics/Sights: Blade Front with Buckhorn Rear
• Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut Straight Grip Stock and Forearm 
• Action: Lever-Action
• Markings: Standard