Original U.S. Named Winchester First Model 1873 .44-40 Rifle with Figured Custom Buttstock - Serial 13984 Made in 1876 French Uniforms with MINISTRY OF DEFENCE /

with MINISTRY OF DEFENCE / POLICE in a blue enameled circle

though this still has some visible

probably just post Civil War

South Pacific Area

Original U.S. Named Winchester First Model 1873 .44-40 Rifle with Figured Custom Buttstock - Serial 13984 Made in 1876 French Uniforms with MINISTRY OF DEFENCE /Original Item: One of a Kind. This is it! This is a very rare FIRST MODEL Winchester 1873, and is one of the earliest that we have had! These were only produced for about 6 years ending in late 1879. This rifle is in the very popular . 44 40 caliber, the same as the Colt Frontier 1873 Revolver which allowed the owner to use the same ammunition for both rifle and handgun. This really is "The Gun that Won the West!" This example has a very nice heavy