October 25, 2023 The Paul Friedrich Collection of Firearms & Gold Rush
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/25/2023
Extremely scarce, high condition 1st Model 1876 Deluxe manufactured by Winchester Repeating Arms Company in 1876, the first year of production. Scarce, blued, half-round half-octagon barrel chambered in .45-75 W.C.F. and marked with "Winchester's Repeating Arms, New Haven Ct." address over "King's-Improvement-Patented-March 29, 1866, October 16, 1860" patents. Barrel has a hunting front sight and a sporting adjustable rear sight with Winchester factory vernier peep sight on tang. Scarce, blued, full-length magazine tube, not usually seen with this barrel configuration. Case hardened "open top" 1st model pistol grip frame with unmarked brass elevator, plain trigger. Tang marked "137" with "X" under wood and serial numbered "744" in script behind lever latch. Deluxe "X" grade checkered walnut pistol grip stock has "137" stamped in top tang channel and an ebony Christmas tree-shaped grip inlay. Case hardened crescent steel trap buttplate with original 4-piece Winchester steel cleaning rod inside. Matching diamond pattern checkered walnut forearm with case hardened nosecap. Nose cap and buttstock are fitted with what appear to be factory loop sling swivels. Cody Research letter from 1982 confirms all options except sling swivels and shipping date to the warehouse in March 1878. CONDITION: 92% fading original factory barrel blue with some light edge wear. Magazine tube has several areas turning a plum color from handling. 92% vivid case colors with slight wear on handling areas. Nosecap and buttplate retain 90% fading colors with some light pitting marks on buttplate. Good action screws. 90% original varnish with sharp checkering with no visible repairs or restoration, only light usage dings and bruises. Bright and shiny bore with visible rifling and crisp mechanics. A super rare '76 that would be hard to improve upon!
ADDENDUM: The rear sight is a graduated peep sight, not a Vernier.
Paperwork
Factory Letters, Photographs