The Winchester-Hotchkiss was originally designed by Benjamin Hotchkiss and features a turn bolt action design with a tubular magazine that loads under the bolt. Hotchkiss sold the patent rights to Winchester in 1877, and the resulting firearms were Winchester's first attempt at manufacturing and marketing a bolt action rifle. These Third Models can be easily distinguished from the earlier models by the two-piece stock and exposed frame. This example was manufactured in 1884. Blade front sight and 1,200 yard Buckhorn folding ladder rear sight. The lower tang has the three-line patent marking. The upper tang is marked "{MODEL OF 1883}", and the forward area of the receiver ahead of the trigger guard has the serial number. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line Winchester address ahead of the rear barrel band, "U.S./VP(circled)/D.F.C." David F. Clark inspection mark on top of the breech with "D.F.C." marks on the receiver and bolt, a boxed script "DFC" cartouche on the right wrist of the stock, and a boxed script cartouche on the left wrist. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes US socket bayonet and period leather sling. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Excellent, retaining 95% bright original blue finish on the barrel and bands with some light handling marks and light muzzle wear from bayonet mounting. 90% plus vivid original case colors on receiver with a patch of dark corrosion visible on left forward side. Wood is also excellent with attractive raised grain, some light dents and scratches, and crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is excellent.