This English Short Express Rifle Model 1876 is configured similarly to the Model 1886 Lightweight in that it has a short 22 inch barrel (although not tapered), rifle style forearm, short magazine tube, and shotgun butt. A similar example is pictured on page 238 of "The Winchester Book" by Madis. In the data discussed on page 253 of the above book, Madis notes that only one of each 800 had a shorter than average barrel. This example was manufactured in 1878 as a second model with a dust cover guide rail attached to the receiver with two screws. The barrel is stamped with the two-line address/patent dates marking on top and stamped with the British retailer marking "JAS KERR & Co./54 KING WM ST E.C" on the left side. British London proofs are stamped on the left side of the barrel and receiver. The dust cover is marked "WINCHESTER EXPRESS/.50 CAL 95 GRS." "50-95" is marked on the cartridge elevator. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1876." Unidentified characters are marked on the lower tang under the lever. The rifle is equipped with a dovetail blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight. The highly figured, XX deluxe walnut forearm and straight grip stock feature multi-point checkering. A circular inlay is added to both sides of the forearm near the forend cap. The left side of the lower tang is marked "XX" "and "863" along with a factory obliterated second assembly number. The assembly number "863" along with the letter "P" is marked on the stock inlet. The .50-95 Winchester Express was the largest caliber available for the Model 1876 and proved popular with big and dangerous game hunters. Many Model 1876 rifles chambered for this powerful cartridge were shipped to England and then found their way to Africa and India where they were often employed against big cats. Theodore Roosevelt loved his .45-75 '76, but he and other Americans scorned the .50 Express, and thus, the Model 1876 was only produced in limited numbers chambered for that cartridge compared to the smaller calibers.

Very good. The barrel retains traces of original blue finish in the protected areas, otherwise a smooth brown-gray patina. The receiver is a mixture of silvered out original case colors and smooth gray patina. The highly figured revarnished wood is also very good with a repaired forearm, a few short hairline stress cracks at the tangs and on wrist, some minor handling marks and recut checkering. A crack is present on the front underside of the forearm. Mechanically excellent.