Manufactured c. 1878 to 1883, this scarce Model 1878 rifle is historically significant as the first firearm design by the legendary John Moses Browning. This early example, serial number 135, is chambered in .45-70 Government, which would have provided plenty of stopping power on the frontier for a buffalo hunter or western settler. Browning was born in Ogden, Utah, in 1855. By the second year of the Civil War, he was working his father's shop repairing firearms. By 1878, Browning had developed his first firearm design and began producing them in a small shop along with his younger brother Matthew. By 1880, only a little over 6,000 residents lived in Ogden, and Utah was still a relatively lightly settled western territory. By 1883, when the patent was sold to Winchester, the brothers had manufactured less than 600 rifles by most estimates, with one hundred or less of these frontier built and frontier used rifles believed to still exist. The design was covered by his first of many firearms patents. The refined version was manufactured as the famous Winchester Model 1885 and launched Browning's fruitful partnership with Winchester that included the design of the Model 1886, Model 1892, Model 1894, and Model 1895 lever action rifles and carbines. He also went on to design semi-automatic pistols for Colt including the ever popular Model 1911, machine guns, and the first semi-automatic shotgun. Several of his designs resulted in what are considered to be among the most innovative and significant firearms of the late 19th century and early 20th century. The top barrel flat in front of the rear sight is marked "J.M. BROWNING OGDEN, U.T PAT.OCT .7.79" and "45", with serial number "135" on top at the breech. The same J.M. Browning maker address and patent date is also marked on top of the breech block. Of interesting note, there are two other examples of these scarce Browning single shot rifles also in this auction, (see the following two lots, serial numbers 530 and 536), in different calibers and configurations than this example and both being "Browning Bros." marked. The top barrel flat is fitted with a dovetail mounted German silver blade front sight, and an elevation adjustable notch rear sight. A ladder peep sight is mounted on top of the receiver tang. The hammer cocks automatically when the breech is opened and closed. It is mounted with a smooth forearm with a Schnabel tip and a pistol grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Fine, retains 60% original blue finish with some attractive light western edge wear showing smooth brown and gray patina on the balance, and some charming scattered light surface freckling. The wood is very good as re-oiled, with some handling wear to the checkering, a small crack at the right of the wrist behind the frame, a period nailed repaired cracked section at the toe, and some light scratches and dents. One absent screw in the tang peep sight base. Mechanically fine. A rarely seen example of the earliest John Moses Browning firearm design. This Browning Model 1878 single shot rifle would make a significant addition to any early American arms collection!