June 25-28, 2018 Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/25/2018
Features full octagon barrel with full magazine and two piece American walnut stocks with crescent butt with trap for cleaning rods. This First Model Open Top has factory sling swivels however are noted on letter. Nickel bladed sporting front sight with elevator adjusted sporting rear with checkered sides, blue and case color factory applied finishes with varnished stocks. Very good condition overall. Open Top 1876 rifles are very rarely found in fine condition and this example is certainly one of the exceptions. Blue finish on barrel and magazine is thinning from use and age but over 40% remains wit balance turning to a mellow aged patina. Case colors on hammer and lever are very thin but evident in protected areas. Walnut stocks are very fine strong amounts of factory applied varnish remaining on butt with a thinning to loss ratio of 50% on forearm. Bore is good with strong rifling with slight darkness in grooves. Action is tight and mechanics are in proper order. Factory documentation from the Buffalo Bill Historical Center states: rifle, octagon barrel, plain trigger; Received in warehouse July 29th, 1878 and shipped August 7th, 1878; order number 12621.