RARE One of One Winchester Model 1876 45-60 Rifle with Saddle Ring!!
Description:
Hi,
Offered up here, is an opportunity to own a very rare Winchester rifle. We are all familiar with Saddle Ring Carbines, this is not that. This Winchester Third Model 1876, serial number 54,755, began its humble life as a Winchester Model 1876 Saddle Ring Carbine (SRC) in 40-60 caliber, as entered in the assembly records, and shipped to the warehouse on September 7, 1886. However, it went back to the assembly room before final shipment from the warehouse (at the request of the customer who ordered it) where it was converted to Rifle configuration, with a caliber change to 45-60 and the saddle ring retained. The carbine to rifle conversion meant a different barrel, magazine tube and stamped carrier block, still using the original serialized receiver. The gun was finally shipped on November 20, 1886 in its new configuration: an Octagon Barrel, Full Magazine, Crescent buttplate Rifle with the Sling Ring maintained. A “Saddle Ring 1876 Rifle”, if you will.
For anyone who collects the Model 1876 - or for that fact, any other Winchester Model - you know how rare this “Saddle Ring Rifle” is. I have been told that Herbert Houze in his book entitled “The Winchester 1876 Centennial Rifle” noted that there was only one documented 1876 with a sling ring and staple. I cannot confirm this as I do not own the book, however, what I can tell you is that the combination of the carbine to rifle conversion, caliber change and the maintenance of the sling ring, would in the very least, make this rifle a “one of one”. There is no other like it.
It comes with a factory letter confirming its build & documents supporting it as a 1 of 1. It is all original and in vg condition. The action is smooth and tight, dust cover slides back nicely as it should, it holds half cock and the bore has good rifling. Original wood is tight & fits properly.
The rifle is not a high condition example that was put away and never used, but rather, an honest and clean Third Model 1876, with the desirable combination of an octagon barrel, full magazine and crescent buttplate. That are good enough selling points as is. There are lots of high condition 1876 rifles out there, they can be found and bought any day. A quick Google search will pull them up. However, this is the only chance you will get for this “one of one”, that no other collector out there will have. You’re buddy, another 1876 collector won’t be able to say to you “Nice Rifle. I’ve got the same one, but a bit higher condition than yours”. Yup, we’ve all heard that and know how it feels. No, he will be saying “Where in the hell did you find that?” Those are called bragging rights. A saddle ring rifle in less condition of a different model sold for $20k U.S in the 1990's. This is an investment grade Winchester.
This is an 1876 rifle that would make a great addition to ones collection and/or a perfect vintage hunting rifle, or a cornerstone of your 1876 collection. Set aside the unarguable rarity of this rifle, the rarity of which speaks for itself among collectors, it also has a very handsome appearance with the saddle ring attached.
Asking $11,500. Will come with Cody Museum Factory Letter and WACA supporting documentation. Open to cash deal or partial trade involving high condition Marlin Riles / Carbines (Models 1888, 1889, 1893, 1894 or 1895), or Winchester Model 53s.
This is antique and as such will be mailed directly to you. Any additional photos or information requested will be provided.
Thank you,
Matt
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Rifle Caliber: .45-60 Winchester
Manufacturer:
Winchester
Model:
1876
Serial Number:
54755
Barrel Length:
28
Condition:
VG
Metal Condition:
VG
Wood Condition:
VG
Bore Condition:
VG
Barrel Type:
Octagon
Action:
Lever
Manufacture Date:
1886