Page 53 - 83-BOOK1

LOT 1054
Winchester Model 1876 Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter - Serial no. 9883, 45-60 cal., 28 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. 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. The accompanying factory letter confirms the round barrel in .45-60 caliber and special order
set trigger. The rifle was received in the warehouse on December 31, 1879 and shipped on March 17, 1880. The second model receiver features a dust cover guide rail attached
by two screws and a dust cover with oval finger guide. Dovetail blade front and folding ladder rear sight marked “1876” on a barrel stamped with the two-line address/patent
dates marking ahead of the rear sight and “CAL. 45-60” at the breech. The cartridge elevator is marked “45-60.” The buttstock is fitted with a trapdoor crescent buttplate (cleaning rod not included).
CONDITION: Fine for a rifle showing clear signs of extensive period use but remaining in solid condition for a well cared for “frontier issued” rifle. It is not hard to imagine this rifle at the side of a frontiersman. In fact, the right side of the forearm carries the finger grooves set by the owner who likely trusted it for protection and to bring food to the table. 50% original blue and traces of original case colors remain with the balance a smooth brown-gray patina mixed with pitting. The metal and wood surfaces certainly wear the scarring of a well used frontier weapon with pride. The set trigger does not function, otherwise action cycles properly. A Winchester Model 1876 rifle with great “working gun” character. The stories it could tell!
Provenance: The John Fox Collection.
Estimate: 5,000 - 8,000
LOT 1055
Colt Model 1877 Thunderer Double Action Revolver with Relief Carved
Mexican Eagle Pearl Grips and Factory Letter - Serial no. 127757, 41 Long Colt cal.,
4 1/2 inch round bbl., nickel finish, pearl grips. Manufactured in 1901 with standard markings and carved Mexican eagle/snake pearl grips. Matching numbers on frame,
trigger guard, and back strap, and loading gate numbered “329”. The included factory
letter lists the revolver in .41 Colt with a 4 1/2 inch barrel, nickel finish, and grips not listed when shipped to J. F. Schmelzer & Sons Arms Company in Kansas City, Missouri
on 24 September 1901.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 50% plus original nickel plating and 40% of the original nitre blue on the rear of the hammer with the balance a mottled grey-brown patina. The grips are
fine with a few scattered light dings and scratches, a minor chip in each of the bottom front edges, and crisp carving. The action needs work.
Provenance: The John Fox Collection.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
51