Manufactured in 1880 this is a desirable example of a Winchester Model 1876 rifle that was special ordered with full nickel finish and a set trigger. The included factory letter lists the rifle with an octagon barrel, set trigger, and full nickel finish when received at the warehouse on 21 February 1880 and shipped the same day. According to noted Winchester historian and author George Madis, approximately one out of every 90 Model 1876s had a plated finish and one out of every 14 had a set trigger. This example has the second model receiver with the dust cover guide retained with two screws and the dust cover with the flush checkered "thumbprint" grip area. The top of the barrel has the standard two-line address and King's patent markings, and both the barrel and cartridge elevator correctly lack caliber markings .45-75 W.C.F. was originally the only caliber offered, with .45-60 and .50-95 being introduced just a year before this rifle was made. The upper tang has the model marking, and the serial number is marked on the lower tang. The assembly number "XXX 569" is marked on the left of the lower tang, with "569" repeated in the stock inlet and inside the buttplate. It is fitted with a German silver blade front sight, elevation adjustable notch rear sight, and the upper tang has a factory drilled and tapped hole for a peep sight with a filler screw in place. It is mounted with a very finely figured, smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent buttplate.

Very good plus, with 30% of the original nickel finish remaining, mostly visible in sheltered areas and the balance a mixture of grey and brown patina. The wood is also very good with a minor split in the grain on the left of the buttstock and some scattered minor handling marks. Mechanically functions fine, although the set trigger does not work.