Lot 15: Winchester 1876 Rifle 45-75

Manufactured in 1878, this is a First Model 1876 lever action rifle with a checkered thumbprint dust cover guide rail secured to the receiver with two screws. Equipped with a combination front sight, rear sight filler block, and rear adjustable peep sight mounted on the upper tang. The top barrel flat is marked "WINCHESTER'S- REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CT/KING'S- IMPROVEMENT- PATENTED-MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16. 1860." ahead of the rear sight and there are no caliber markings. The barrel gauges at 45 caliber. The bottom of the brass elevator is also unmarked. The serial number is marked on the lower tang behind the lever latch. Blue finish with casehardened hammer and lever. Mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a steel forend cap and steel crescent buttplate with compartment (cleaning rod not included). The accompanying factory letter verifies the serial number, rifle configuration, octagon barrel, set trigger, and that it was received at the warehouse on April 26,1878. The letter also confirms the changes to the rifle 45-75 caliber, round barrel and plain trigger. It was shipped from the warehouse on June 9, 1880, order number 20375.

Good as factory rebarreled. The rifle retains traces of the original blue finish with a mix to a mottled brown patina. The casehardened lever and hammer are mixed to a smooth grey patina. The brass elevator has a smooth dark patina. The markings on the barrel are light but legible. The wood is good with some scattered scratches and dings overall and some pressure dents on the bottom of stock near the toe. Mechanically fine.