Guns International #: 102678414
Seller's Inventory #: WR749

Category - Winchester Rifles - Model 1876 - Winchester Rifles - Antique Lever

Category
Winchester Rifles - Model 1876
Winchester Rifles - Antique Lever

Winchester 1876 Deluxe Target Rifle 45-60

Description:
A beautiful 1876 Winchester Deluxe Target Rifle. I purchased this one in 2015 and have often admired the beauty of this old rifle. To best describe
it I have chosen to use the words of the previous owner which are most accurate. "serial 9749 is an early second model, being manufactured in 1879.
This Deluxe falls right in the middle and a couple of numbers away from a group of 1of 1000 rifles that was manufactured, serial #9744, 9768, 9783 and
9796. The gun comes with a factory letter of authenticity from the Cody Firearms Museum confirming its original configuration. It reads Type: Rifle,
Caliber: 45-60, Barrel Type: Octagon, Trigger: Plain, Pistol grip checkered, Sights: Vernier and Wind gauge, Casehardened. The following facts come 
from the book written by Herbert G. Houze "The Winchester Model 1876 "Centential Rifle", which is a complete study of every factory ledger for the 
Model 1876. With the 1876 Model seeing a total production of 63,871, there were only 14 That letter with a Vernier rear and Wind gauge front sight
combination in a 45-60 caliber. There were 55 in 45-75, 1 in 50-95 and 6 in the 45-60 caliber. Most of the rear vernier sights encountered have the 
later style thin base and the mid-range (shorter) staff. This sight is almost impossable to find on a Winchester with it's early thick base and Long Range
Vernier. just look at the photos to see how huge this sight is. Most Long-Range tang sights will be the more common "graduated" sight. The front sight is 
the much rare version of the Wind Gauge as well as with the spirit level. 
As for condition the case coloring on the receiver has faded and turned a mottled grey/silver. the metal is very smooth with sharp corners and No wear
or pitting on the metal surfaces. The 28" octagon barrel retains about 90% of its original bluing with a light patina. The original XX grade fancy walnut
stocks are in very good condition with sharp original checkering, with typical handling marks and they retain nearly all the original high gloss piano finish. 
The bore is in excellent condition with a lot of shine, proud rifling and only minimal pitting in a couple of spots. I would rate it 85%. The action is tight
and smooth, mechanically perfect. The lever and hammer springs are strong. The brass carrier retains sharp corners showing little use.  The early
"thumbprint" dust cover slides flawleesly with zero slop and snaps into place with a magnetic feel. The barrel address  and caliber markings are chrisp.
The sights are in great condition and retain most of their original blue with tight springs. The value of the sights alone on this rifle would be $2000. to $3,000.
The screws are excellent and only a couple appear to have been turned. Mechanically this rifle feels like new. It appears this gun was carried and fired very little. 
But it has the look that it was stored outside of a safe. The checkering, screws, mechanical parts, hammer, sights ect., all show no real wear, just a handling mark 
here and there. At first look it appears this gun has seen some use but really it hasn't. It's just an honest, antique, UNMOLESTED, "left in the corner" for decades 
look to it. I am providing a 3 day inspection period. Thank you for looking.

 

SOLD

Antique: Yes
Rifle Caliber: .45-60 Winchester