GUN FALL 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/4/2016
RARE WINCHESTER THIRD MODEL 1876 SHORT RIFLE.WINCHESTER18765173045-75Cal. 45-75. 22" oct bbl. Blue finish. Straight grain American walnut stocks with steel shotgun buttplate. Bbl shows standard 2-line Winchester address rolled into front-sight with cal mark at breech-end. Bbl has 4 English proof-marks on left side near rear-sight. Rear-sight has "1876" stamped at top of staff. Upper tang receiver is stamped Model 1876 with finials. SN is stamped on lower tang behind lever latch. Elevator is stamped "45-75". There is a small British proof stamped on left forward edge of receiver. Lower tang has assembly no. "994" stamped on left side followed by "S". Upper tang mortise of buttstock has assembly no. "904" as does the inside toe of buttplate. This could possibly be a factory error because stocks fit perfectly. Forend is the correct 8-3/8" length. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl and magazine tube both retain 40% orig blue finish, that is drifted to a plumb-brown patina toward muzzle with some stain on left side and high point wear. Bbl marks are sharp. Bore is bright with strong rifling. Receiver retains 50-60% blue finish that is drifting to a plumb-brown patina overall with some small scratches. Loading gate has traces of fire-blue. Dust cover has 50% blue blending with a smooth plumb-brown color. Elevator is a mustard-yellow patina with some light cleaning marks and a sharp mark. Hammer shows nearly all of the deep case color finish. Lever is a mottled silver-brown patina with generous traces of case color in protected areas. Stocks are fine and retain nearly all their varnish finish with some light handling marks overall. Buttplate retains 20% blue with some staining at heel and toe. Fore end cap shows traces of blue with balance a plumb-brown patina. A very fine example of a desirable Winchester Model 1876 short rifle. 51087-11 TEP (8,000-12,000)