This is a fabulous example of an early production Winchester-Hotchkiss First Model Deluxe sporting rifle that was produced in 1881. This rare rifle is accompanied by a factory letter dated 2005 verifying this exact configuration. These Hotchkiss rifles were the very first bolt action rifles manufactured by Winchester and were the first to have an internal tubular magazine. Although a very advanced rifle with a strong bolt action mechanism, it was only produced from 1879-1899 with less than 85,000 total manufactured. As noted, this is a "Deluxe Sporting" rifle that features the highly desirable 26 inch octagon barrel mounted on a beautiful extra fancy walnut sporting style stock with ebony forend tip and factory original checkering on the pistol grip area and sides of the forend. Additionally, this rifle is fitted with a smooth blued steel shotgun buttplate. The first models are easily identified as they were serial numbered between 1-6400; they have the two position side mounted cutoff and bolt lock switch. The left side receiver rail is marked "MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CONN. U.S.A." over "PATENTED OCT. 16. 1860 JUNE 25. 1872. JULY 23. 1878. AND UNDER/B.B. HOTCHKISS' PAT'S AUG.17.1869 FEB.15.1870.NOV.9. 1875.NOV.14. 1876. JAN.23.1877." The serial number "4039" is engraved on the left rear end of the receiver rail. It is fitted with a Winchester sporting folding rear sight marked "3-10" (300-1,000 yards) and a half nickel front sight. It has a blue finish and the deluxe, hand rubbed varnish on the stock. Interestingly, it should be noted that the complete bolt assembly is marked "HN" in four places; this probably indicates that this bolt was originally inspected by Henry Nettleton, the U.S. Government inspector at that time, and indicates this bolt was left over from the small U.S. Army contract Winchester had received in 1881.

Very fine with 85% plus of the original blue finish overall, wear on the edges and high spots, and some thinning on the receiver and breech end of the barrel in front of the receiver. The markings are clear and sharp. The bolt is still in the white as originally manufactured by the factory. The stock is in very fine condition with 95% of the original varnish overall, several noticeable storage marks on the left side of the forend, and some minor age cracks at the rear ends of the receiver tang and on the left side of the buttstock following some of the grain of the fancy walnut. This is a rare Deluxe Winchester-Hotchkiss Sporting rifle. Certainly a very rare rifle indeed!