Manufactured in 1876 as a first model with integral dust cover grooves on either side of the ejection port and dust cover with checkered "thumbprint" grip area. Only around 31,000 of these First Models were manufactured. Very few have survived in very good or better condition. This well above average condition example comes with a factory letter stating the rifle was received in the warehouse on January 31, 1876, and shipped on October 12 with an octagon barrel and plain trigger. This early production example correctly lacks caliber markings, as .44-40 W.C.F. was the only caliber offered until 1879. The top barrel flat is marked with the two-line Winchester address and King's patent marking. The model designation is marked on the upper tang, and the serial number is on the lower tang. It is fitted with a dovetail blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight. It is mounted with nicely figured walnut forearm and straight grip stock. The buttstock is fitted with a trapdoor buttplate (cleaning rod not included). Known simply as “The Gun that Won the West,” the Winchester Model 1873 Rifle stands as an icon of American firepower on the open frontier that still resonates with modern collectors, especially those in high condition like this example. This first model Winchester Model 1873 will be a worthy addition to any lever action or Western collection. It is certainly a must have for the serious Winchester collector. Provenance: The Collection of David L. DeLullo