Manufactured in 1876, the first year of production, this rifle has the rarely seen, early, open top frame with no provision for a dust cover, whereas the later Model 1876 rifles had dust covers. Only around 3,000 were produced in 1876 and 1877 out of the total of 63,871 manufactured between 1876 and 1897. The barrel is marked with the two-line Winchester address/King's patent marking along with "W. COOPER/BOZEMAN M.T." near the breech. Walter Cooper established his shop in Bozeman in 1872, beginning construction on a large brick building then, which was completed by the end of 1873. In an 1877 advertisement in the Bozeman Avant Courier Cooper states, "My stock of sporting goods were selected by myself, and are all particularly adapted to the wants of Eastern Montana..." Cooper is known to have invented a multitude of sights for the firearms that he sold. The upper tang is marked with the model designation and the serial number is on the lower tang. The rifle correctly lacks caliber markings, as the only caliber initially offered for the Model 1876 was .45-75 W.C.F. It is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and an elevation adjustable notch rear sight and mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent buttplate (cleaning rod not included). The included factory letter lists the rifle with an octagon barrel and plain trigger when received at the warehouse on 17 July 1877 and shipped on 4 August 1877 to order number 9685. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Fine, retains 40% plus of the thinned original blue finish and faint traces of original case color patterns and nitre blue with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina. The buttstock is fine with some minor dings and scratches scattered throughout. The forearm is refinished with numerous scattered dents and dings. Mechanically excellent.