Offered here is a rare 20 inch barrel Model 1873 short rifle in deluxe configuration. Winchester expert and author George Madis noted that these short rifles "were most popular in the Southwest along the Mexican border and have usually seen long and hard use. They are often called 'Border Model' by collectors" ("The Winchester Book," page 162). Per Madis one of each 450 Model 1873 rifles had special shorter barrel (page 212). 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. The Model 1873 was a "working gun" that saw hard use, and those in high condition are highly sought after. Finding a deluxe Model 1873 in any condition is becoming increasingly difficult. For the typical Winchester customer special features such as deluxe wood were generally considered too costly and unnecessary for those looking for a reliable "working gun." Per Madis one of each 600 Model 1873s had special wood and one of each 700 guns had checkering. This combination of short rifle and deluxe wood make this Model 1873 a Winchester rarity missing from even the most advanced public or private collections. The included factory letter states the rifle was received in the warehouse on December 30, 1886, and shipped the next day with a 20 inch octagon barrel in .38 caliber, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, half magazine, casehardened receiver, swivels, and sling. The rifle is fitted with a blade front sight and a three leaf rear sight on a barrel marked with the two-line Winchester/King's patent legend ahead of the rear sight and "38-CAL" at the breech. The rifle has a special order half length magazine. Again, we turn to Madis to point out the rarity of another rare special order feature: one of each 270 Model 1873s had special length magazine. The caliber designation "38 CAL" is marked on the brass cartridge elevator. The lower tang has the serial number. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1873." The rifle is a third model with integral dust cover rail and dust cover with serrations at the rear. Sling swivels are mounted on the underside of the forend cap and buttstock. The buttstock has a hard rubber insert in the grip and a trapdoor crescent buttplate (cleaning rod not included). The 2X walnut forearm and pistol grip stock are checkered. The left side of the lower tang is stamped "1346 38 and XX." The assembly number "1346" is repeated on the stock inlet and buttplate.

Exceptionally fine. The barrel retains 80% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance. 60% original blue remains on the dust cover. 75% plus original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. The frame retains 70% original case colors with the most vivid colors in the protected areas. The hammer, lever and forend cap retain 80% original case colors. The buttplate has some pitting and retains patterns of original case colors. The wood is also very fine with a hairline crack at the upper tang extending to the pistol grip (left side), minor handling marks, most of the original varnish remaining, and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A highly attractive and rare example of a special order Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 Short Rifle missing from even the finest collections. A must have for the serious Winchester or lever action collector!