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While this example is not configured like Teddy’s ‘76, it certainly shows a comparable level
of special order and deluxe features, the sort that would have been required by a discerning
western rancher or hunter of similar standing as Roosevelt. The included factory letter with this
rifle confirms the casehardened finish, .40-60 caliber, an octagon barrel, set trigger, Beach and
graduated peep sights, and a checkered pistol grip stock when received at the warehouse on
29 July 1884 and shipped the following day in order number 13505. Winchester author and
historian George Madis estimates that one out of every nine Model 1876s was casehardened,
one of every 14 had a set trigger, one of every 400 had special wood, one of every 420 had a
pistol grip stock, and one of every 630 had checkered wood, making this rifle’s configuration
relatively scarce. This specific example has the Third Model receiver, with the integral dust cover
guide and the dust cover with grip serrations at the rear. The top of the barrel is marked with
the standard two-line address and King’s patent marking, as well as the caliber marking at the
breech, which is repeated on the bottom of the cartridge elevator. The upper tang has the model
marking under the sight base, and the serial number is on the lower tang, perpendicular to the
line of the rifle itself. The left side of the lower tang is marked “1971 XXX”, with “S 1971” in the stock inlet, and “1971” inside the buttplate. It is fitted with the
documented special order, gold washed Beach combination front sight, an “1876” marked folding ladder rear sight, and the documented graduated peep sight
on the upper tang. It is also fitted with the documented special order set trigger as well as a set of sling swivels that, while not documented in the factory letter, appear to have been
installed by the factory. It is mounted with a very attractive, highly figured, H-pattern checkered forearm and an incredibly figured, checkered, pistol grip stock with an ebony insert on
the bottom of the grip and a trapdoor crescent buttplate containing an included five-piece cleaning rod.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 95% of the original blue finish, 95% plus of the vibrant original case colors, and 90% plus of the bright original nitre blue on the loading gate with the
balance having mostly thinned to a smooth grey patina and a couple small patches of very light surface spotting near the muzzle and on the left of the lever. The wood is also excellent
with a few scattered light dings and scratches, with the checkering remaining crisp overall. Mechanically excellent. This is an incredible, special ordered example of Winchester’s
“centennial” rifle, the venerable Model 1876, which could easily become the centerpiece of the most extensive and prestigious collections of Winchesters or 19th century Americana!
Provenance: The Ray Bentley Collection (sold 2005); Herb Glass Jr.; The Pelton Family Collection.
Estimate: 130,000 - 225,000
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