June 9-10, 2017 Premier Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/10/2017
First Model, open top lever action rifle. This very early three digit example was made in 1876, the time when this model was only available in one caliber, the large .45-75, which at the time was the most powerful lever action rifle made in America. This is a standard rifle that features a full octagon barrel, full magazine, original Winchester sport sights, blued finish, case color large or fat hammer and lever, straight grain walnut stocks with crescent steel buttplate with early heavy toe. This has got to be one of the finer original examples of a low serial number rifle that we have seen. Has one special order feature and that is the adjustable trigger. The barrel and tube retain at least 75%-80% original blue finish with razor sharp edges and legends and balance simply blending with soft patina and gun metal. Like wise the frame has generous amounts of the original high polish factory blue finish. The right side plate has approximately 65% blue with the balance mixing patina. The right side of frame retains approximately 65% of blue with tell tale serrations. Top of the frame is a 50/50 mix of high polish blue and patina. Left side plate retains approximately 75% of the high polish blue and worn around edges and the frame about 65% blue. Mellow brass lifter not marked which is proper. Nice traces of color on hammer. Lever has patterned out. 50% lighter blue on loading gate, stocks are excellent, proud to metal, no cracks or chips, buttplate has silvered out, action is perfect. Has a very clean strong rifled bore, which is surprisingly very good condition for an early model. Factory research report included. One would be extremely hard pressed to find such a fine condition, three digit low number open top model 1876. This has got to be one of the finest surviving examples that remains untouched as to condition. Factory letter lists as follows:
Rifle
Octagon Barrel
Set Trigger
Received in Warehouse September 13, 1877
Shipped from Warehouse September 17, 1877
With five other arms to order number 9889