Manufactured in 1881, this is a fine example of a special ordered Winchester Model 1873, "the gun that won the West". These '73 rifles and carbines were extremely desirable in the American West due to sharing a range of calibers with Colt's prolific Single Action Army revolver, allowing one to pair a long gun and sidearm that used the same ammunition. The included factory letter lists the rifle in .38 caliber with an octagon barrel and set trigger when received at the warehouse on 23 March 1881, and shipped the next day in order number 24813. This example has the Second Model receiver with the dust cover retained by two screws and the dust cover having the grip serrations at the rear. The top barrel flat is marked with the standard two-line address/King's patent marking and the caliber marking at the breech, which is repeated on the bottom of the cartridge elevator. The upper tang has the model designation and the serial number is on the lower tang. the assembly number "1944" is marked on the left of the lower tang, in the stock inlet, and inside the buttplate. It is fitted with a German silver No. 21 "Sporting" blade front sight, an elevation adjustable No. 22 "Sporting" notch rear sight, and a special ordered set trigger. It is mounted with smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a special order, smooth steel, shotgun buttplate.