Antique Winchester 3rd Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle 22 SHORT W Letter

Up for sale is a used, antique Winchester 3rd Model 1873 lever action rifle chambered in 22 Short rimfire. Relined octagon barrel measures 24 3/8" in length with a bright, excellent bore. Metal surfaces are almost entirely varying shades of gray patina with areas of brown staining, scattered scratches, dings, softened pitting and other handling marks. Smooth wood forend and straight grip crescent buttstock have been refinished at some point and show added gloss varnish with older softened dings, bruises, scratches and marks under the finish with an epoxy repair along the right side of the upper tang. Rifle is sighted with a wedge shaped brass front blade and sporting rear leaf that is missing its adjustable blade and screw. Top of the barrel is marked “22 Short” while the brass cartridge lifter is marked “22 Cal/Short” but the markings are worn.
Included with the rifle is a factory letter indicating the rifle was built in 1889.