Manufactured c. 1878 to 1883, this is a solid example of John Moses Browning's first firearm design, which launched his legendary career in firearms innovation. Browning was born in Ogden, Utah, in 1855. By around 1861, he was working his father's shop repairing firearms. In 1878, Browning had developed his first firearm design, these single shot rifles, and began producing them in a small shop in Ogden along with his brother Matthew. In 1880, the area around Ogden, Utah was still very much untamed frontier, with the town itself only having around 6,000 residents. By 1883, the Brownings had sold their patent to Winchester, having manufactured less than 600 rifles by most estimates. Only around 100 or less of these rifles are estimated to survive today, having generally been used hard in the wild American West. The refined version of the original Browning design was manufactured as the famous Winchester Model 1885 and launched Browning's fruitful partnership with Winchester. Browning would go on to design some of Winchester's most successful rifles, including the Model 1886, Model 1892, Model 1894, Model 1895 lever actions. He also went on to design semi-automatic pistols for Colt including the iconic 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 "BROWNING BROS.OGDEN, UTAH, U.S.A." The patent date is marked behind the rear sight along with "40 70" and the serial number "536". There are no other visible markings. The underside of the barrel is fitted with two ramrod pipes and a cleaning rod. The top barrel flat is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and an elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight. The hammer cocks automatically when the breech is opened and closed. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate. Includes a metal ammunition/accessories case.

Very good, retains 25% of the thinned original blue finish on the barrel with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina, a few scattered patches of light pitting, and some scattered minor dings. The wood is also very good with a period splice/repair visible near the tip of the forearm and some scattered minor chips and dings. Mechanically excellent. A rare opportunity to own a piece of the beginning of John Moses Browning's firearms legacy!