The Model 1876 was the first Winchester chambered for cartridges powerful enough to reliably take down big game and became a popular early repeating rifle in the West where it could be counted on to dispatch both foes and game, including buffalo, and was specifically advertised by Winchester as designed for use by those in the West where a .44-40 Model 1873 might not be enough when faced with a grizzly. Production of this model was comparably limited thanks in part to the introduction of the Model 1886, adding to the desirability of the '76 among collectors today. This example was manufactured in 1888. The top barrel flat is marked with the standard two-line address and King's patent marking, with the caliber marking at the breech and repeated on the bottom of the cartridge elevator. The model marking is on the upper tang and the serial number is on the lower tang. It is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and a folding ladder rear sight. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent buttplate (cleaning rod not included). An included Cody Firearms Museum research request confirms the current configuration as well as receipt at the warehouse 12 January 1891 and shipment on 1 October 1891 in order number 11724.

Fine, retains 40% plus of the original blue finish, traces of the original case colors on the hammer and lever, and traces of the original nitre blue on the loading gate with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina and some scattered small patches of light pitting. The wood is very good with some scattered light handling marks throughout. Mechanically excellent.