No other Winchester name carries with it more public appeal or notoriety than "1 of 1000". These rifles, manufactured in both the 1873 and 1876 models are the crown jewel of Winchester collectors who have been fortunate enough to acquire one and sit at the top of the wish list for any collector still "in the hunt". Model 1876 "One of One Thousand" are significantly rarer than their Model 1873 counterparts in fact this rifle is 1 of 6 Model 1876 "1 of 1000" with a 30 inch barrel. Estimates suggest that no greater than 55 Model 1876 "One of One Thousands" were manufactured over a four year production period which lasted from 1876 until 1880. This particular rifle carries with it a captivating story which is all extensively documented and accompanies this rifle. This rifle, serial number 3,551, was first discovered during the Universal Studios search for these historic rifles which at the time coincided with the studios release of the film "Winchester 73". This rifle was discovered by Mr. Robert Steele Withers of Liberty Missouri in May of 1950. In a letter dated May 23, 1950 Mr. Withers states; "I am glad to report that I am the owner of one of the "One of One Thousand" Winchester rifles. A neighbor of mine died and told his wife that he wanted me to have this gun. He was tubercular during the later years of his life and spent some years in Tombstone Arizona. While there he traded a smaller gun for this gun." Included with this rifle are many various correspondents between Mr. Withers and James C. Hartley director of research of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company (division of Olin Industries, Inc.). Once Mr. Withers received verification that he did indeed own a true "1 of 1000" he sent it back to the factory "with instructions to put it in perfect condition". By the time Mr. Withers returned the rifle for restoration the factory was no longer doing casehardening which is why it is now finished blue. One of the most interesting documents associated with this rifle is a press release from Winchester which announces Mr. Withers as an "owner of one of the most sought after rifles in the United States". The press release goes on to tell the story of Mr. Withers acquiring the gun from his neighbor and then states; "Mr. Withers recognized the rifle as a rarity and sent it to Winchester for reconditioning and learned from the company that it had originally been shipped from New Haven to Tombstone, Ariz., in 1876 for $125.00". As a result of the press release Mr. Withers and the story of his rifle as well as the presentation to him of a model 94 Winchester for successfully finding a 1 of 1000 were featured in several newspaper articles of which copies are included in the documentation. At Winchesters request they asked to target the gun for Mr. Withers, upon receiving his permission they reported the gun was "as accurate as it could have ever been". The rifle is accompanied by many more pieces of documentation one of which is a factory letter which confirms the configuration and states; Type: rifle, Barrel Type: octagon, Barrel Length: 30 inches, Trigger: set, Pistol grip stock, Casehardened, 1 of 1000. The rifle was received in the warehouse on May 20, 1878 and shipped from the warehouse on June 19, 1878, Order number 11781. In Edmund Lewis's new book The Story of the Winchester 1 of 1000 and 1 of 100 Rifles he states "Many of the 1 of 1000s were sent to Montana or California. This is the only model 76 1 of 1000 rifle that is known to have gone to the Arizona Territory". This rifle is fully documented on pages 100 and 101 of that book. The rifle features a gold washed Beeches front sight with a correct "1876" dated folding ladder rear sight and the tang is equipped with a long range peep sight. The barrel is roll stamped “WINCHESTER'S-REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CT./KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29.1866. OCTOBER 16. 1860". The muzzle features a single silver inlaid band and is beautifully engraved in the typical 1 of 1000 tight scroll and vine pattern. The "One of One Thousand" legend is the fourth style script inscription flanked by the scroll and vine motifs and single silver band inlay. The barrel and receiver have the Winchester "WP" proofs. The frame, hammer, lever, and second type thumbprint dust cover are blue. Single set triggers, as mentioned in the factory letter. The rifle is finished with a handsome deluxe triple-x checkered American walnut stock with an early pattern checkered forearm and pistol grip with a Fleur-de-Lis ebony inlay grip cap.

Excellent as reconditioned by the factory (see above). Overall retains 99% deep factory blue. It is clear that while the metal surfaces were restored to like new condition the wood remains untouched and is in very fine and original condition. Both the forearm and buttstock retain strong original varnish showing two scratches on the left side otherwise only mild pressure marks and scuffs. Overall a fascinating, fully documented and truly rare Winchester Model 1876 worthy of the most advanced arms collection.