December 16, 17, & 18, 2025 Firearms & Militaria
Lot #1327:
(A) SCARCE WINCHESTER 1ST MODEL 1883 HOTCHKISS BOLT ACTION SPORTING RIFLE.
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/16/2025
Dates to 1880. There is a hand written factory search that shows this rifle was sent on 9-11-1880 with a 28" octagon barrel. This was the first Winchester bolt action rifle offered from 1879 through 1899. It is estimated that less than 1300 sporting rifles were ever made as the majority of these were built for the US Government. The first models have the distinctive cut off on right side and one piece stock. Features the special ordered 28" octagonal barrel with a dovetailed German silver front sight, a folding ladder rear sight, and one piece walnut stock with Schnabel forearm tip with ebony insert. The makers legend and serial number are on the left side of the frame. Blue finish with case color frame and metal butt plate. CONDITION: Very good to fine. The barrel retains 85% blue with some high edge wear and nominal handling marks. The case color frame has faded but retains bold legends. Butt plate colors have also faded. The trigger guard shows some original blue with bright blue on true screws. The stock has some better than average grain but has the usual small wrist crack repairs. Mechanically fine. Bore is bold with minor frosting.