The Model 1876 was the first Winchester chambered for cartridges powerful enough to reliably take down big game and became a popular early repeating rifle in the West where it could be counted on to dispatch both foes and game, including buffalo, and was specifically advertised by Winchester as designed for use by those in the West where a .44-40 Model 1873 might not be enough when faced with a grizzly. Theodore Roosevelt, Granville "Mr. Montana" Stuart, and other legendary western figures are known to have carried the '76, and they were also used by the famous North West Mounted Police in Canada. This rifle came out of the well-known western collection of John Fox in Montana and very likely saw use in the region in the late 19th century. Production of this model was comparably limited thanks in part to the introduction of the Model 1886 adding to the desirability of the '76. This "Second Model" 1876 rifle has a screw fastened dust cover rail and dust cover with serrated finger guide along the rear edges. The factory letter lists it as a rifle in .45-60 W.C.F. with an octagon barrel and plain trigger and confirms it was received in the warehouse on December 21, 1881, but not shipped until April 24, 1882, in order 32439. It has a blade front sight, "1876" notch and ladder rear sight, two-line address and patent marking on top of the barrel ahead of the rear sight, script "Cal. 45 - 60" on top at the breech, "45-60" in script on the elevator along with hand scratched "J-G" markings, and "Model. 1876." on the upper tang and is mounted with a smooth oil finished stock and forearm set fitted with a crescent buttplate with a sliding door (cleaning rod absent).

Fine with 30% original blue finish, deep brown and gray patina on the balance, some spots of mild pitting, and general moderate overall wear consistent with frontier use. The stock and forearm have some dents and scrapes as well as a rough section on the right rear of the forearm appropriate for use as a working gun in the West but remain in very good condition overall. Mechanically fine. Overall, this is an attractive antique Winchester with some very attractive frontier character. Provenance: The John Fox Collection.