This rifle has the rarely seen open top frame whereas the later Model 1876s had dust covers. Only around 3,000 were produced in 1876 and 1877 out of the total of 63,871manufactured between 1876 and 1897. This example was produced early in production in the very first year! It has bead style blade front and folding ladder rear sights, smooth walnut forearm and buttstock, single set trigger and a standard rifle buttplate. The barrel is only marked with the two-line address and King's improvement marking. The serial number is on the lower tang, and the model designation is on the upper tang.

Good as partially refinished (cold blue touch up overall) fitted with reproduction replacement sights. The balance of the rifle has a mixture of traces of the original blue finish and artificial dark brown patina throughout with some marks and scratches and patches of pitting and oxidation. The sanded and re-oiled wood is good with some chips and scrapes. There is a gap in the fit at the forearm/frame juncture. The action is fine, and the markings are distinct. Only 3,000 of these First Model 1876s were made! Many have long since been lost leaving few available to collectors. Do not miss this opportunity to land a fine example of a Winchester variant missing from most collections.