June 9-10, 2017 Premier Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/10/2017
Manufactured in 1876. Factory letter states:
Type: rifle
Barrel type: octagon
Barrel length: 24 inches
Trigger: Set Nickel
Triple X checkered stock, sling and swivels
Received in warehouse April 21, 1876, shipped from warehouse August 2, 1876.
This rifle letters all the way. The only blued parts are the original sporting rear sight with an original German nickel front sight and loading gate. All other metal parts are factory nickel. Barrel retains 90% nickel finish with some brown toning; one inch on both sides of muzzle. Has razor sharp legends and edges. Tube retains approximately 98% nickel. Retainer retains approximately 50% finish. Forend cap retains approximately 70%. Lever has two areas of brown patina at base. Frame retains approximately 95% nickel with small scattered areas of brown patina and some minor bubbling on toggle breech. Has an early oval thumbprint dust cover. Tang is stamped, Model 1873. Rifle buttplate with trapdoor is also nickel retaining 85%. Rear sling swivel is nickel with front ring base only. Beautiful Triple X highly figured walnut stocks, which are excellent to near mint and razor sharp checkering and minor dings. Actions perfect, strong rifled bore. This is a museum quality First Model Deluxe, fully nickel plated rifle. Comes with factory letter. Has been cleaned but is original nickel finish.