The Model 1873 is one of the most famous of all American firearms and has been popularly known as "the Gun that Won the West" due to its popularity with pioneers. It was often paired with a Colt Single Action Army or other revolver chambered for the popular .44-40 W.C.F. cartridges. This made carrying ammunition for both your rifle and your revolver simple and allowed an individual to be ready to defend themselves against man or beast in a variety of tough situations. This classic Model 1873 certainly has the look of being a survivor of the American West. The barrel, magazine tube, forearm and stock are wrapped in rawhide decorated with brass tacks. These tacks were popular with various Native American peoples throughout the West and were seen as a way to personalize various items such as firearms, knifes, axes, leather goods, and clothing. The cross in brass tacks on the right side of the buttstock is similar to the tack design found on the buttstock of Sitting Bull's Model 1866 carbine now part of the Smithsonian Institution's collection. The rawhide obscures the barrel markings and serial number. The receiver is a third model with the integral dust cover guide rail. The dust cover, a receiver screw and saddle ring are absent. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1873." The buttstock is fitted with a trapdoor crescent buttplate (cleaning rod is not included).

Good as showing great character of an arm used on the American frontier. The exposed metal surfaces have an untouched smooth dark patina. Most of the rawhide along with the stitching remain. The stock, too, shows character associated with use on the western frontier: a couple stress lines at the upper tang and an absent sliver and crack at the lower tang. The extractor needs work; otherwise, the action cycles properly. A very interesting example of a period Native American style decorated Winchester Model 1873 carbine looking like it came straight out of the American West.