RIFLE WITH FACTORY LETTER. Cal. 38 WCF. S# 353071B. Bbl. 24 3/8". Third Model 1873 lever action rifle mfg. by Winchester in 1890. Top of the heavy rnd. bbl. is marked with Winchester's 2-line address and patent information, with the cal. designation marked towards the breech. Upper receiver tang is marked "MODEL 1873". Metal components exhibit a reapplied blue finish overall. Sanded and refinished plain wood forearm and straight grip buttstock with crescent steel buttplate. Altered and/or aftermarket brass blade front sight with semi-buckhorn V-notch rear sight. Rear side elevation slide is a handmade replacement. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Winchester factory letter stating: "Serial number applied on September 02, 1890/ Type: Rifle/ Caliber: 38/ Barrel Type: Round/ Trigger: Plain/ Received in warehouse on September 17,1890/ Shipped from warehouse on September 17, 1890, Order number 18004". CONDITION: metal components retain the vast majority of their reapplied blue finish, exhibiting a few spots of light to mild wear, as well as varying degrees of pitting beneath the bluing. Relatively dark bore, exhibiting consistent light to mild pitting and scattered patches of darker moderate pitting, while retaining fair to good rifling throughout. Proper manual mechanics. Wood furniture shows scattered marks and impressions from handling and storage, with the underside of the forearm exhibiting 2 notable cracks, 1 stemming from the forearm cap and the other from the receiver. (01-28204/MLW). ANTIQUE. $500-800.