Manufactured in 1876, this is a rare first model of the Model 1873 carbine with a factory documented Bennett barrel band. This First Model 1873 Winchester Saddle Ring Carbine features the distinctive dust cover held in place by grooved guides on either side of the top of the receiver, checkered oval finger grip on top of the dust cover and the lever latch with the visible screw threads. The accompanying factory letter confirms the carbine configuration and it was received in the warehouse on January 31, 1878, and shipped on May 8, 1878, on order number 11778. This gun was part of a shipment of 991 carbines which fall within the serial number range of 16404-17403. The letter also confirms that this carbine was once part of the factory museum collection. According to museum records, the carbine has a Bennett barrel band, was one of the guns sunk in Hamburg Harbor, was originally sold to Chili, sent to Winchester by Ed Beumeister in June 1884 and later sold to Fenton of London in 1931. The Bennett barrel band, which is the forward band, was designed by Thomas G. Bennett. The design is believed to not have been patented and differs from the standard Model 1873 band by the inclusion of a screw on the underside. Bennett started his career with Winchester in 1870, and in less than a year was elected secretary of the company. Bennett went on to serve as the Vice President of Winchester from 1882 to 1889 and later president of the Olin Corporation from 1889 to 1921. He is perhaps best remembered for hiring the Browning brothers, who provided the company with its most notable late 19th century firearms such as the Model 1885 single shot rifle, Model 1887 lever action shotgun, Model 1897 slide action shotgun and lever action Models 1886, 1892, 1894 and 1895. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line address/Kings Improvement patent dates ahead of the rear sight, the upper tang is marked "MODEL. 1873," and the serial number is marked on the lower tang. The rifle correctly has no caliber markings. British proofs are stamped on the barrel and receiver at the breech. The front sight is integral with the barrel band, and there is a folding ladder rear sight graduated from 1-8 and a saddle ring on the left side of the receiver. The straight grip stock is fitted with a trapdoor crescent buttplate. A four-piece cleaning rod is included.

Very fine. The carbine retains 85% plus of the period, possibly factory refurbished blue finish overall with the balance thinning to a brown patina. The wood is fine with a repaired wrist, a hairline crack near the buttplate tang and some minor pressure dents and scratches. Mechanically excellent. A factory museum documented Winchester First Model 1873 carbine with a barrel band designed by the company's future President that will make the most serious Winchester collector envious!