The included factory letter confirms the carbine configuration and half nickel finish. The carbine was received in the warehouse on April 17, 1879 and shipped the next day on order number 15076. The carbine has the distinctive full-length forearm with one barrel band and a staple-mounted saddle ring on the left side of the receiver. It is fitted with a steel block front sight and a two folding leaf rear sight on a 22 inch barrel marked with the two-line address/patent information ahead of the rear sight. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1876," and the lower tang has the serial number. The third style receiver has an integral dust cover rail and dust cover with serrated edges. The receiver, dust cover and carbine style buttplate are nickel plated. The forearm tip, barrel, magazine and band spring are blued. The hammer, trigger and lever are color casehardened. The loading gate has a fire blue finish. An unidentified branded marking (most likely a cattle brand) appears near the buttplate tang. Model 1876 saddle ring carbines are scarce. Special order Winchester Model 1873 saddle ring carbines with combination finishes are very rare.

Fine. The carbine has a "freckled" smooth dark brown patina with the frame retaining 60% original nickel finish. There are some tool marks on the barrel. Traces of original fire blue finish remains on the loading gate. The wood is very good showing some chipping along the grain, a long crack radiating from the upper tang and some minor to moderate pressure dents and scratches. The dust cover is frozen in the open position, although the action functions fine