Manufactured in 1878, this is a rare example of a Winchester First Model 1876 open top frame musket made without a dust cover. The top of the barrel is marked with the two line address/King's improvement patent dates, the upper tang is marked "MODEL 1876" and the serial number is marked on the lower tang. There is a sling swivel on the barrel band and on the stock. Equipped with a blade front sight and a replacement adjustable buckhorn rear sight with original dovetail slot filled. The cleaning rod is mounted on the left side of the forearm. Mounted with a full walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a forend cap and carbine buttplate.

Very good plus. The musket has a mottled crisp gray patina with hints of blue in the protected areas of barrel where it meets the forearm and on the receiver around the sideplates. The wood is good as revarnished with some minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. Winchester Model 1876 Muskets are rare enough, let alone it being an equally rare first model open top frame!