Original U.S. Winchester First Model 1873 .44-40 Rifle with Octagonal Barrel Serial 29831 - Made in 1879 Water Jacket Assembly Paul J Rutila army serial

Paul J Rutila army serial number 36952813 spent over a year in combat first as a member of the 82nd Airborne

There is also a slot in the webbing that holds the hook allowing the cover to be worn on a regular trouser belt or attached to equipment without requiring the mounting eyelets

All on two white bordered 27" diameter black cloth circles sewn to the red field

Remember Gary Cooper in "Beau Geste"

but with all the firing

Original U.S. Winchester First Model 1873 .44-40 Rifle with Octagonal Barrel Serial 29831 - Made in 1879 Water Jacket Assembly Paul J Rutila army serialOriginal 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 the more desirable