This is an outstanding example of a very desirable Special Order Deluxe Winchester Model 1873 rifle. The factory letter confirms this rifle was received in the warehouse on November 8, 1887, and shipped as part of order number 24036 the next day in rifle configuration with a .38 caliber "1/2 Octagon" barrel, set trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, and desirable casehardened receiver. This Third Model rifle has integral dust cover rail and dust cover with serrated rear edges. The barrel, magazine, dust cover, bolt, and loading gate are blue, and the forearm cap, receiver, hammer, lever, and trigger are color casehardened. The stock and forearm have a high polish piano finish. Special order features on this rifle include the 24 inch part-round/part-octagon barrel, single set trigger, tang mounted adjustable peep sight, and fancy grain walnut forearm and pistol grip stock. The stock and forearm have Winchester "Style H" checkering. The pistol grip has an ebony inlay. The barrel has a Lyman folding combination front sight with colored bead and buckhorn, sporting style, rear sight with serrated edges. The crescent steel buttplate has a sliding brass trap. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped: "WINCHESTER'S REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A./-KING'S IMPROVEMENT PATENTED MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16. 1860.-" in two lines ahead of the rear sight. The caliber "38 W.C.F." is stamped on the top barrel flat just in front of the receiver. "38 CAL" is stamped in script letters on the bottom of the cartridge elevator. The serial number is stamped in digits across the lower tang behind the lever latch. Provenance: The Joe Marlin Hilliard Collection