Lot 38: Winchester Model 1876 Lever Action Rifle

Manufactured in 1883 as a third model with the integral dust cover rail and dust cover with serrations at the rear, the Model 1876 was popular among those in the west that believed .44-40 wasn't quite enough stopping power for whatever they might encounter. The rifle is fitted with a dovetail blade front sight, an elevation adjustable rear sight (marked "76" on interior spring) and a folding peep sight. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line address/patent dates marking ahead of the rear sight. The rifle correctly lacks a caliber marking. Mounted with smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock fitted with a trapdoor crescent buttplate (cleaning rod not included).

Fine, retaining 60% original blue finish with a smooth brown-gray patina on the balance. Traces of original case colors remain on the lever, 40% original case colors remain on the hammer, and 40% original niter blue remains on the loading gate. The wood is also fine with a barely noticeable repaired long horizontal crack on the forearm (left side), short hairline crack at the lower tang and some minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent.