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LOT 1006
Very Fine Documented Special Order Winchester Model 1876 Lever
Action Short Rifle with Factory Letter - Serial no. 38291, 45-75 cal., 22 inch
round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. The accompanying factory letter lists this
desirable Winchester Model 1876 short rifle with a 22 inch round barrel, plain trigger, and
shotgun butt when received in the warehouse on December 18, 1883, and shipped on December 22.
In the data discussed on page 253 of “The Winchester Book”, noted
Winchester expert George Madis notes that only one of each 800 had a shorter
than average barrel. Many Model 1876 short rifles were shipped to England and then found their way to Africa and India,
where they were often employed against big cats. This example has London proofs on the barrel and receiver at the breech.
The rifle is fitted with a dovetail blade front sight and an “1876” marked folding ladder rear sight. The receiver is a third model.
The top of the barrel has the two-line Winchester legend ahead of the rear sight. The rifle correctly lacks a caliber designation. The
upper tang is marked “MODEL 1876.” A non-factory period installed sling eyelet with ring is mounted on the underside of the stock.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 70% plus bright original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance. 20% original nitre blue
remains on the loading gate. The hammer and lever retain 60% original case colors. The wood is also very fine with some very scattered
minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. An attractive example of a desirable Winchester Model 1876 lever action short rifle.
Estimate: 6,500 - 8,500
LOT 1005
Attractive Antique Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle in Desirable .45-90
W.C.F. with Factory Letter - Serial no. 76308, 45-90 WCF cal., 26 inch octagon bbl., blue/
casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1893, this is an attractive, restored example of
a Winchester Model 1886 rifle in one of the most desirable calibers offered for the model, the venerable .45-90
W.C.F. These sturdy and reliable rifles, particularly in this powerful caliber, were highly
desirable in the American West, both for their durability as well as their stopping
power, which was more than capable of dispatching any threat and even the most
dangerous game North America had to offer. According to the research conducted by John T. Madl on the existing
records of Model 1886 carbines, 1,911 are listed in .45-70 caliber, 1,232 are listed in .50 caliber, and 941 are listed in .45-90
caliber. If this data is similar for rifle production, this .45-90 rifle is relatively rare among the big bore 1886s. The included
factory letter lists the rifle in .45-90 caliber with an octagon barrel and plain trigger when received at the warehouse on 6
March 1893 and shipped on 16 March 1893 in order number 15977. This example has the earlier production casehardened frame,
which was standard on the Model 1886 until 1902. The top barrel flat is marked with the standard two-line Winchester address and
the “45-90 W.C.F.” caliber marking at the breech. The upper tang has the model marking, and the serial number is marked on the lower tang. It is fitted with a set of
standard “sporting” sights including a German silver blade front and elevation adjustable buckhorn rear. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.
CONDITION: Very fine as professionally restored overall, retains 98% plus of the blue finish with some
scattered light handling marks and 90% of the vibrant case colors with the balance faded to grey patina.
The wood is also very fine with a minor chip at the toe and a few scattered light handling marks. This is
very attractively restored Winchester Model 1886 rifle in .45-90 W.C.F.
Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
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