The Winchester Model 1876 was developed to chamber more powerful cartridges than the Model 1873, and it was ideal for those on the frontier that felt .44-40 just wouldn't have enough stopping power to handle whatever they might encounter. Manufactured in 1885, this is a Third Model 1876 Lever Action rifle with the dust cover guide rail integral to the receiver. Blade front sight non-factory rectangular inlaid, rear sight filler block, and rear adjustable peep sight mounted on the upper tang. The top barrel flat is marked with the two-line address/King's Improvement patent dates ahead of the rear sight and "40-60 W.C.F." at the breech. The bottom of the brass elevator has been stamped "40 - 60". The serial number is marked on the lower tang behind the lever latch. Mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a steel end cap and steel crescent buttplate with buttstock compartment (cleaning rod not included). The accompanying factory letter confirms the rifle configuration, caliber, octagon barrel and plain trigger, and that it was received in the warehouse on October 8, 1887. The letter also states that no shipping date or order number is on record.

Very good plus. The rifle retains 25% of the original blue finish mixing to a mottled brown patina with scattered scratches and dings, typical of a frontier working gun. The casehardened hammer and lever have a mottled brown and gray patina. The brass elevator has a smooth dark patina. The markings are legible. The wood is good with scattered scratches, dings, and pressure dents with a sliver of wood missing on the right side of the stock near buttplate, all things commonly seen on a trusted western rifle. Mechanically fine.