Manufactured in 1881. This rifle has a "transitional" receiver that is a second model receiver with the dust cover secured by a small screw on top; however, it is fitted with a later third model dust cover without the checkered oval with serrated edges. Standard sporting style front sight with nickel-silver blade and folding leaf rear sight marked "1876." The upper receiver tang is factory drilled and tapped for a sight, and the crescent steel buttplate has a sliding brass trapdoor (cleaning rod not included). The stock and forearm are varnished straight grain American walnut. The top of the barrel has the two-line address/patent dates ahead of the rear sight. "CAL 45-60" is roll stamped on the top barrel flat immediately ahead of the receiver. "45-60" is roll stamped in script numerals on the cartridge elevator. The upper receiver tang has "MODEL. 1876" in fancy letters with foliate devices at either end. The serial number is stamped in script numerals on the lower tang.

Very fine with 70% bright original blue finish overall with edge wear and blue loss on the magazine tube and side plates. There are scattered spots of dark pitting on the left side plate. The hammer and loading lever retain 40% case colors. The stock is very fine plus with 85% varnished finish overall showing some very minor handling marks and scratches. The wood to metal fit is nice and tight. The forend has an old reapplied (but not sanded) coat of varnish. The screw heads are all in very fine condition. A very fine example of a Winchester Model 1876 Lever Action Rifle.