The accompanying factory letter lists this rifle with an octagon barrel in .45-60 caliber, half magazine, shotgun butt, checkered pistol grip stock, and casehardened receiver when received in the warehouse on April 9, 1880 and shipped the next day with one other arm. The rifle is fitted with a combination Beach front sight, "1873" marked folding ladder rear sight, and tang peep sight. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line address/patent dates marking ahead of the rear sight and "CAL. 45-60" at the breech. "45-60" is marked on the cartridge elevator. The second model receiver has a dust cover guide rail attached by two screws and a dust over with oval finger guide. The checkered forearm and pistol grip stock are nicely figured XX deluxe walnut. The buttstock is fitted with a grip insert and a steel shotgun buttplate. The left side of the lower tang is marked "XX 876." The stock inlet is marked "P160." Tradition states that this Model 1876 was owned by Silas S. Huntley. According to a 1992 dated letter of provenance written by Allen Hargrove, "This rifle was given to my father by Silas S. Huntley who came to Montana in the 1870s from Boston…My dad went to work for him in the early 1880s and worked for him until he died in 1901. it was during this time he gave my dad this rifle." Silas S. Huntley (1841-1901) enlisted with the 37th New York Volunteers during the Civil War. He served on the staffs of General Hiram Gregory Berry and General Phil Kearny, and was with each of these generals when they were killed in the line of duty. He returned to New York after the war but by 1867 was in Montana establishing the stage lines in the territory. In fact, Huntley and his associates were credited for “establishing and controlling every original stage line in Montana.” In 1891, he organized the Yellowstone Park Transportation Company where he remained as president and general manager until his death in 1901. The Yellowstone Park Transportation Company first provided railroad and stagecoach service to park visitors, and later provided automobile transport and service for those attending the park. Includes an original 1870 canceled check in Huntley’s name and 1897 handwritten note on Yellowstone National Park Transportation Co. letterhead.

Very good plus. The barrel retains 30% original blue finish with the balance a smooth gray patina. Traces of original niter blue remain on the loading gate. The remaining surfaces retain patterns of original case colors, otherwise silvered out. The wood is very good with a hairline stress crack at the upper tang, some minor dings and scratches and some wear to the checkering. Mechanically excellent. A Model 1876 that surely saw use on the open ranges of the Montana Territory and is linked to a high profile Montana businessman.