The Winchester Model 1876 is known as the "Centennial Model" due to its introduction year and became very popular in the American west, especially among those who decided that the Model 1873 just didn't provide the stopping power they desired, most famously the Northwest Mounted Police. The carbine configuration in particular provided a superior level of firepower in portable package, similar in size to its smaller cousin, the 1873. With its larger more powerful calibers, there was almost nothing on the frontier that the 1876 wasn't capable of stopping, man or beast. This example was manufactured in 1877, the second year of production, as a First Model with no provision for a dust cover. George Madis notes in "The Winchester Book", that after serial number 1600, dust covers were offered upon request, but prior to serial number 3000 they are rarely seen, becoming gradually more common after that number was reached. Madis also notes that approximately seven out of every eight Model 1876s manufactured was a standard rifle, making the carbines like this relatively scarce. The top of the barrel has the two-line address/King's patent marking in front of the early pattern, non-adjustable, two-leaf rear sight. The model designation is marked on the upper tang and serial number on the lower. This example correctly lacks caliber markings, as .45-75 W.C.F. was the only caliber offered until 1879. It is fitted with a German silver blade front sight, previously mentioned two-leaf rear sight, and a saddle ring on the left of the receiver. It is mounted with a smooth, near full-length forearm and straight grip stock with a carbine buttplate. These carbines often saw hard frontier use in the hands of the Northwest Mounted Police or others who valued their firepower, making examples in outstanding condition like this one incredibly scarce. The included factory letter states the carbine was received in the warehouse on March 15, 1878 and shipped on May 9, 1878.

Excellent, retains 95% of the original blue finish with minor thinning on the frame, 75% of the vibrant original case colors, and 80% of the original niter blue on the loading gate with the balance having thinned to a smooth grey patina and a small patch of light spotting/surface pitting on the left at the muzzle. The wood is also excellent with a few scattered light dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. If you are looking for a benchmark, standard configuration Winchester First Model 1876 carbine for your collection; look no further!