Deluxe Winchester Model 1873 Rifle (AW108)

This deluxe second model Winchester Model 1873 rifle has several special order features: Casehardened, One-Half Octagon barrel, Checkered Stock (the 2004 factory letter states pistol grip; the stock was replaced on August 28, 1896 when the rifle was returned for repair), Beech Front Sight, Graduated Peep Sight (now absent), and Engraved "HTS". Not mentioned in the factory letter are the set trigger and 3X deluxe wood. The overall length is approx. 43". The 24" barrel has an excellent bore with minor wear. The caliber is 44 Winchester Center Fire (44-40). The barrel has 100% of its refinished blue finish with strong markings. It was professionally refinished to repair areas of edge blue loss and dents. The second model receiver, with the screwed-on dust cover rail, hammer, lever, and nose piece retain approx. 90% case colors. The right side plate has a discolored area that is approx. 1.5" square. The magazine tube has approx. 98% blue. The Beech combination front sight has approx. 98% of its gold color. The 3X stocks are very fine with crisp wrap around checkering and no cracks or chips. The butt stock has some minor nicks and a shallow gouge on the right side. The original finish is excellent. The monogram "HTS" is engraved on the left side of the receiver. Monogrammed receivers are much rarer than engraved receivers. This rifle was received and shipped on March 17, 1881, on order number 24588. It was returned for repair on August 28, 1896, on order number 17598. The stock was replaced with the current straight grip stock and the metal was refinished. The lower tang has the assembly number xxx1153 and the matching 1153 is present in the top tang channel of the stock. Accompanying this fine rifle are the 2004 factory letter and a copy of a 2004 article in the "Winchester Collector" by Dr. Ed Lewis that features this gun as the subject matter of the article stating how rare monogrammed engraved Winchesters are. The action, including the set trigger, works perfectly. This is a top quality Deluxe Winchester second model 1873 rifle with a rarely seen factory-engraved monogram.