 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
SCARCE AND LIMITED PRODUCTION 1879 FIRST MODEL HOTCHKISS .45-70 CIVILIAN SADDLE RING CARBINE
Guns International #: 102189151 Seller's Inventory #:
Category: Winchester Rifles - Antique Bolt - Winchester Rifles - Bolt Action
Seller's Information
When emailing or calling sellers direct, please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com
Seller: goodmanguns
Company: William T. Goodman
Member Since: 10/16/15
First Name: William
Last Name: Goodman
State: Montana
Zip: 59715
Country: United States
Phone: (406) 587-3131
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 51
Total Number of Listings: 3279
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: checks, cashiers/bank check, money order
Description:
SCARCE AND LIMITED PRODUCTION 1879 FIRST MODEL HOTCHKISS .45-70 CIVILIAN SADDLE RING CARBINE. This is an interesting and very rare carbine with a seemingly out of range, high serial number of 16XXX which would normally put it into the range of the 2nd Model Hotchkiss. However, according to the excellent and detailed book WINCHESTER BOLT ACTION MILITARY AND SPORTING RIFLES 1877-1937 by Herbert Houze, "While manufacture of the "New Model" or "New System" (2nd Model) began in June 1880, Model 1879 Hotchkiss arms continued to be made for some time. Indeed, some 2,449 muskets, carbines and rifles of the first type were built after the "New Model" entered production." He further states that many of these were shipped on a Chinese contract with serial numbers in the 21,000-23,000 serial range in 1883 along with other First Model arms in the 6,000 range (!). According to the Winchester serial number online list, this carbine was made in 1882. This example is in much better condition than usually encountered for a Hotchkiss carbine of either first or second model. It retains fine deep original blue on the barrel with only some very light surface freckling that might clean off with some oil and fine 4X steel wool. Even the trigger guard retains fine lightly aged blue. Importantly, the wrist of the stock is NOT cracked as most seem to be. This is because the magazine tube for this repeating carbine runs through the butt stock. For removing the stock, if the butt plate is not first removed and then the magazine tube removed and the barreled action is lifted from the stock, it will crack. On this carbine the wood is excellent overall. Few people know this and that is why almost all Hotchkiss carbines have cracks running from the upper tang to the lower tang. The safety and magazine disconnect is in a circular dial on the right side of the stock and both function correctly (which is also unusual). Action is fine and the bore is bright and excellent! Original tangent rear sight and saddle ring are intact. In the above mentioned book, the author sums up by stating, "During the Model 1879 Hotchkiss Repeater's production life, a total of 6,396 were made. Of these, 5,199 were muskets (79.08 percent of the total), 812 were carbines (12.35 percent of total)... It should be noted that of the 812 Model 1879 Carbines, only 312 were made for civilian use." In all, an incredibly rare Winchester in a great caliber made during the frontier years of America! One of the best Hotchkiss carbines of either model that I have seen. Winchester's first bolt action!
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Rifle Caliber: .45-70 Government
Manufacturer: WINCHESTER
Model: 1ST MOD. HOTCHKISS
Serial Number: 16XXX
Barrel Length: 24
Condition: FINE+
Bore Condition: EXCELLENT