This is a Standard Model 1873 Sporting Rifle in Caliber 38 WCF with 24" round barrel, full magazine, and crescent rifle buttplate w/trapdoor. Most 1873's with curly and burl walnut have special order or deluxe features but every once in a while, we stumble across a standard gun with great wood like this one.  It has tiger striped walnut across the entire forend and down almost the entire right side of the stock and the left side showing only a few dark bands along the belly of the wood.  Quite attractive and really compliments the condition of the rifle.  Antique Serial number is in the 446,000 range and was made in the year 1893. 

Overall condition is NRA Antique Fine  and is 100% original down to the smallest screw.  80% bright original blue on the receiver with some brown freckling and some light pitting along the top edge of the left side of the frame and a little on the left sideplate. This is from from poor storage and is the only down-side to an otherwise fantastic rifle.  The loading port still retains 60% bright original fire blue.  Hammer still shows 60% light case colors while the lever has mostly turned brown with silvery remains of original colors in places.  The barrel and magazine tube have mostly subsided to a light brown patina with dull original blue in the protected areas...about 20% remaining.  Original sights include the original semi-buckhorn rear sight and standard front with German silver blade.  The action needs a good cleaning but is tight and crisp.  Very good bore with no rings or bulges and strong rifling throughout with  a few scattered pits. It may clean up even better.  Wood is in Fine+ to Exc condition overall...completely untouched with 75% original varnish intact.  No chips, cracks or repairs.  Perfect wood to metal fit with the wood standing slightly proud of the metal surfaces...just the way it was when it left the factory 113 years ago.  All in all, this is a nice gun with some minor storage issues but we don't think you'll find a better 73 with more finish or great tiger walnut wood for the money!

Item# 0434

SOLD