Lot 3215 : Magnificent The Very First "1 of 1000" Winchester 1876 Lever Action Rifle, With Deluxe Gold Trim
Rock Island Auction - Moline - 08 September 2008
Premiere Firearms Auction Day III
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Title:
Magnificent The Very First "1 of 1000" Winchester 1876 Lever Action Rifle, With Deluxe Gold Trim
Description:
Magnificent The Very First "1 of 1000" Winchester 1876 Lever Action Rifle, With Deluxe Gold Trim
What an unbelievable offering, probably the most desirable, all original, factory documented "1 of 1000", 1876 lever action rifle in 45-75 cal. Only a total of "54" model "1 of 1000" 1876 rifles were ever made and this rifle, serial number "710", is the lowest serialized "1 of 1000" 1876 rifle and the serial number is noted in Midas' "1 of 1000" book on Winchesters on page 245. Under the picture of another "1 of 1000" rifle he states that "the serial numbers of the model 1876s in this special gun, run from serial number '710' and upward." Obviously indicating the "1 of 1000" started with this exact rifle. This series of rifle was a continuation of the super scarce Winchester model "1 of 1000" 1873 rifles but instead used the new larger action with the new improved high power calibers. This "1 of 1000" series of rifles in both the 1873 and 1876 rifles were intended as marketing ploy by Winchester to sell "Special Select" rifles with hand selected barrels (which showed better accuracy) they were fitted to rifles that had extra special hand fitted metal parts with deluxe hand selected extra walnut stock and forend with light engraving. Being the very first "1 of 1000" 1876 called for some deluxe features and this rifle certainly has them. It has the standard 28 inch full octagon barrel with the full magazine with both ends of the barrel have the correct and original amount of factory scroll engraving on the visible flats with both ends having a single silver barrel bands and obviously it is correctly marked "1 of 1000" on the top barrel flat in front of the receiver. It has a pistol grip stock with the deluxe 3X or 4X grade of feathered crotch walnut on the stock and forend, and both are checkered, with stock having crescent/rifle buttplate. The factory letter states with "GOLD" trim, and in looking at the rifle that equates to gold plated magazine tube retaining rings, hammer, loading lever, buttplate and receiver! Yes, that's correct the receiver and buttplate have a gold washed finish over the color case hardening, it has flaked off because it didn't stick very well but it is still visible around the edges with a slight gold tint on the flats. It is also fitted with factory sling swivels, set trigger and a factory mounted long range tang sight and gold wash combination Beech front sight. The factory letter, dated March 1999, states that this rifle was shipped from the warehouse on Nov. 15, 1877, with seven other model 76's on Order #10379, with all features confirmed by the factory letter. Being such an early production rifle, it has all the desirable first model features such as the open top receiver with no provisions for a dust cover, the early plain style model markings of just "MODEL 1876" on the tang, the original bushed firing pin with the serial number located on the very end of the lower tang and correctly marked just above and around the tang screw, with the trapdoor buttplate which houses an original four piece cleaning rod.
Condition:
Excellent overall with approximately 95% original blue on barrel and magazine tube, slightly thinning at the edges and going slightly dull with some beginning patina on the flats. With approx. 75% case hardening that is evenly fading on the sides fading slightly but still showing areas of rainbow colors with more vivid colors in the protected areas with 75-85% of the Gold wash trim remaining overall with more finish on the hammer, loading lever, forend cap and magazine tube retaining ring. The stock and forend are in excellent condition showing beautiful burled wood grain, with light handling marks with a few pressure dents from use. The checkering is in very fine condition with nice sharp and defined checkering, but showing some minor pressure dents in a few places. The general markings are crisp and sharp, and the "1 of 1000" markings are very sharp and clear. This has got to be the best "1 of 1000" rifle out there for sale. It has all the key features for a top investment or collector grade Winchester rifle (These seldom hit the market). All original and certainly a "One of a Kind" highly desirable rifle being the lowest number 1 of 1000" 1876. This is the one!
