Offered here is an extremely early production serial number 88 Winchester Model 1873 Rifle featuring the desirable and rare raised thumbprint dust cover held in place by two integral guides. No. 88 is pictured in James Gordon's "Winchester's New Model of 1873: A Tribute" on page 173 in Volume I and on page 351 in Volume II as well as listed among the earliest known surviving Model 1873s; just behind nos. 17, 19, 67 and 80 (see pages 173 and 337 in Vol. I). Of the approximately 30,000 First Models manufactured, 75-100 have been estimated to have survived and are known to collectors. No. 88 is one of the earliest two digit serialized Model 1873s in existence. The accompanying factory letter lists this rife with a 24 inch octagon barrel, set trigger, and blued finish when received in the warehouse on January 3, 1874 and shipped on January 26. The rifle is equipped with a dovetail blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight correctly installed in the reverse position. The upper tang is correctly blank and the lower tang is correctly hand inscribed with "Model 1873/88," as featured in the approximate serial number range 1-350. The rifle correctly lacks a caliber designation. The receiver is fitted with a special order set trigger. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line address/patent dates marking ahead of the rear sight. The straight grip stock is fitted with a trapdoor crescent buttplate. Comes with a three-piece cleaning rod and a letter of authenticity signed by Tom Selleck confirming it is from his personal collection.

Very good and well above average condition as one of the earliest known Winchester Model 1873s. The rifle has an as found brown-gray patina with traces of original blue finish in the protected areas. The wood is fine with minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. Do not miss your chance to acquire one of the earliest known documented Model 1873. This Model 1873 is a must have for the serious Winchester collector. No Winchester collection (no matter how advanced) is complete without a First Model 1873, so why not go with one of the earliest? Provenance: The Tom Selleck Collection