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The .50-95 Winchester Express was the largest caliber available for the Model 1876 and proved popular with big and dangerous game hunters. Many Model 1876 rifles chambered for this powerful cartridge were shipped to England and then found their way to Africa and India where they were often employed against big cats. Theodore Roosevelt loved his .45-75 ‘76, but
he and other Americans scorned the .50 Express, and thus, the Model 1876 was only produced in limited numbers chambered for that cartridge compared to the smaller calibers.
The rifle’s sights are mounted on raised lugs
brazed to the barrel. A narrow flat is evident
in the area behind the rear sight base. This
flat has been seen on other second model
short barrel express models. The rear sight
is an express type with a fixed leaf and a
folding 200 yard leaf. Express sights are rare,
particularly those with a single folding leaf. See “The Winchester Book” for the Lyman Caterpillar front sight which is similar to the front sight on this rifle (page 583). The use of raised lugs was a common British practice for this time. These sights were popular with big bore African and Indian hunting guns. There is no record notation regarding the sights. This is common for factory records. Madis stated, “Any sight made at the time of manufacture would be furnished and fitted by Winchester. If the customer wanted a really unusual sight, Winchester would produce it from a sketch sent in by the customer.” This sight is original to the rifle. The casehardened second model receiver has a dust cover which is marked “WINCHESTER EXPRESS/50 CAL 95 GRS.” The cartridge elevator is marked “50-95.” The top of the barrel is stamped with the two-line Winchester New Haven address/King’s patent dates marking ahead of the rear sight and “50 CAL” at the breech. The upper tang is marked “MODEL 1876.” The lower tang has the serial number under the lever latch. The forearm and pistol grip stock are select walnut and feature factory “H” pattern checkering. The stock has a steel shotgun buttplate.
CONDITION: Fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain 80% period refinished blue with thinning to brown on the balance. The dust cover and rail retain 90% original blue finish. 60% original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. The receiver retains 70% original case colors. The forend cap, hammer,
and lever retain 60% original
case colors. 60% original blue finish
remains on the buttplate. The wood
is very fine with minor dings and
scratches and overall crisp checkering.
Mechanically excellent. This Winchester
Model 1876 .50 Express short rifle owned by
John Murray, 7th Scottish Duke of Atholl will
bring added dimension to any Winchester or lever
action collection. These express short rifles are very scarce and an example directly attributed to an original and prominent owner like the Duke are nearly impossible to find.
Estimate: 20,000 - 30,000
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