"MODEL 1873 LEVER ACTION SADDLE RING CARBINE. SN 331. Cal. 44. Standard 20" rnd bbl, full mag with front sight being intregal with front band. An early two leaf carbine rear sight. First model raised thumb print mortise dust cover. Left side has usual staple and ring. Serial number is of the Type I with the inscribed "MODEL 1873" adjoining the serial number. Mounted with straight grain, uncheckered American walnut, straight grip with carbine buttplate. This early carbine can be found pictured on numerous pages of James Gordon's book Winchesters New Model of 1873: A Tribute. (Appears that the stock may have been altered or replaced since the illustration in Gordon’s book). Accompanied by Cody Winchester letter identifying this gun as a carbine with a 20" bbl, received in warehouse Feb. 6, 1874 and shipped from warehouse March 23, 1874 with 109 other arms. CONDITION: Very good. Metal surfaces are of a consistent brown to dark brown patina with scattered areas of light pitting. There is a small amount of silvered areas showing on receiver. Screw for the forend retaining ring appears to be an old replacement. Stock is sound with usual nicks and dings and exhibits a dark hand worn oiled patina. Left side has two very dark depression streaks running across. Forend has the usual nicks and dings and hairline crack from the forend ring forward. The raised area on the thumb print dustcover should have been checkered. This one is either smooth from wear or was never checkered. Mechanics are sound and the bore is remarkably good with some light, scattered pitting. 4-32656 (8,500-12,500)"
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