Lot 1: Very Fine Documented Special Order Winchester Model 1876

The accompanying Cody letter describes this "Model 1876, serial number 42894" as: "Rifle, 40/60 caliber, Barrel Shape: Octagon, Plain trigger" and "Pull - 14-1/2 in." The rifle was shipped on December 11, 1884. In addition to the special order stock, the rifle is equipped with a factory single set-trigger which is not called-out in the Cody letter. The rifle has the third model receiver with integral dust cover rail and dust cover with serrated rear edges. The barrel has a standard sporting style front sight with nickel-silver blade and folding leaf rear sight marked "1876" at the top of the leaf. The upper receiver tang is factory drilled and tapped. The crescent buttplate has a sliding brass trapdoor. The top barrel flat has the two-line address/patent dates marking ahead of the rear sight. "CAL. 40-60" is stamped on the top barrel flat between the rear sight and the receiver. The upper receiver tang has "-MODEL. 1876.-" in fancy letters flanked by foliate devices. "40-60" is stamped in script letters on the cartridge elevator.

Very fine. The barrel and magazine have 90% plus original blue finish with minimal handling wear. The receiver and dust cover retain 85% bright original blue. The right side plate and to a lesser extent the right front of the receiver have a number of long shallow period scratches with the exposed metal having faded to a brown patina with traces of surface discoloration. The forearm cap retains 70% blue finish. The buttplate has a lightly textured dark patina with traces of blue finish in protected areas. The hammer and lever retain 85% muted case colors. 85% nitre blue finish is on the loading gate. The wood is very fine with 80% original finish and scattered minor handling marks. This is a good looking example of a scarce and desirable Winchester Model 1876 Rifle with special order stock and single set trigger.