Description

This historically rich Winchester 1873 lever-action rifle in .44-40 caliber is a rare example of a Plains Indian-modified firearm, prominently published on page 16 of Indian Tomahawks & Frontiersmen Belt Axes by Hartzler & Knowles (1995). Known as the “Indian Plains Rifle,” this specimen is outfitted with period tribal embellishments and has likely seen use on horseback in the late 19th century.

The rifle features rawhide-wrapped furniture and a brass tack-decorated stock, including diamond-shaped brass studs—hallmarks of Native American customization, likely of Plains origin. The forestock is completely wrapped, as the original wood was likely removed or deteriorated. Historically, the buttplate was often removed by Native warriors, as is the case here. While the feathers noted in the publication are no longer present, the piece remains in largely untouched “as-found” condition with an attractive iron patina, working action, and visible rifling in the dark bore.

Included is a copy of the rare reference book where this exact rifle is pictured and described. It’s a true centerpiece for advanced collectors of Native American artifacts, frontier weapons, or ethnographic militaria.

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