This is an exceptional example of a special order Winchester deluxe Model 1873 lever action rifle manufactured in 1881. The factory letter confirms the half octagon barrel, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock with shotgun butt, 1/2 magazine, and casehardened finish. It was received in the warehouse on October 4, 1881, and shipped the next day in order 27418. This rifle has the Second Model receiver with screw fastened dust cover rail and late pattern dust cover with serrated finger grip. The barrel has an express style front sight with nickel silver blade and buckhorn sporting style rear sight with flat top and knurled edges. The upper receiver tang is factory drilled and tapped. The barrel has the Winchester commercial blue finish, and the dust cover, loading gate and buttplate have a bright blue finish. The receiver, forearm cap, hammer, trigger and lever are color casehardened. The forearm and pistol grip stock are highly figured, piano-finished, fancy grade American walnut. The forearm and pistol grip have Winchester "Style H" checkering. The stock has a horn insert on the pistol grip and a shotgun style steel buttplate. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the two-line legend: "WINCHESTER'S-REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CT./KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29. 1856. OCTOBER 16. 1860." ahead of the rear sight. The barrel and cartridge elevator are correctly not stamped with a caliber designation. The upper tang is roll-stamped: "MODEL 1873" in fancy letters. The serial number "74291" is stamped in small script numerals between the lever latch and rear tang screw.