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LOT 3032
Fine Winchester Model 1876 “Centennial” Lever
Action Rifle in .40-60 W.C.F. - Serial no. 4159, 40-60
WCF cal., 28 inch octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut stock.
Manufactured in 1878, this is a solid example of Winchester’s “Centennial
Rifle”, the Model 1876. The venerable ‘76 was designed as the big brother of Winchester’s iconic
Model 1873, capable of handling larger and more powerful cartridges. Given the growing reputation of
the 1873, as well as the stronger chamberings available for the 1876, anyone considering the prospect of braving
the wilds of the western frontier would have been happy to call a “Centennial” rifle their companion for the journey. This
example has the Second Model receiver with the dust cover guide secured with two screws and the dust cover having a flush-checkered
“thumbprint” grip area. The rifle was rebarreled sometime in 1884 or after, when .40-60 W.C.F. was introduced, likely by the Winchester factory. The rifle was probably originally in .45-75
W.C.F. and was likely updated simply because the owner desired the newer and more powerful .40-60 W.C.F. chambering. The top flat of the barrel is marked with the 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 and the serial number is on
the lower tang. It is fitted with a No. 21 “Sporting” German silver blade front sight and an “1876” marked folding ladder rear sight. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a
trapdoor crescent buttplate.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 50% plus of the factory blue finish, 25% of the original case colors on the hammer and lever, and 75% plus of the original nitre blue on the loading gate with the balance
having mostly thinned to a smooth grey patina and
some scattered small patches of light surface pitting.
The wood is also fine with some scattered minor
dings and dents. Mechanically excellent. A solid
representative example of a period
updated Model 1876 rifle!
Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
LOT 3031
Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle in Desirable .45-70
Caliber - Serial no. 48879, 45-70 cal., 26 inch octagon bbl., blue/
casehardened finish, walnut stock. This Winchester Model 1886 Lever
Action Rifle in desirable .45-70 caliber was manufactured in 1890. The rifle is fitted
with a dovetail blade front sight and elevation adjustable rear sight. The top of the barrel has the two-line
Winchester address ahead of the rear sight and “45-70” at the breech. The upper tang is marked “-MODEL 1886-.” The
lower tang has the two-line patent dates marking and the serial number. The frame has the desirable casehardened finish. The
forend cap, hammer, lever and buttplate are also casehardened. The barrel, full length magazine tube and bolt are blued. The loading
gate is niter blue. The forearm and straight grip stock are plain walnut. The buttstock is fitted with a crescent buttplate.
CONDITION: Fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain 30% original blue finish with smooth brown patina on the balance. 90% original blue remains on the bolt. 70% original niter
blue remains on the loading gate. The frame retains 60% vivid original case colors. 40% of the original case colors remain on the hammer and lever. The refinished buttplate retains
85% vivid case colors. The refinished wood is also fine with a slight chip at the upper tang, minimal handling marks, and some texturing of the finish on the right side of the forearm.
Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000
LOT 3030
Very Fine Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Rifle with Factory
Letter - Serial no. 374674, 25-20 WCF cal., 24 inch octagon bbl., blue
finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1907 with standard markings including
Winchester factory oval proofs on the barrel and receiver at the breech. Fitted with
dovetailed Lyman beaded blade front (bead absent) and elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sights.
Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate. The included factory
letter confirms the current configuration as well as receipt at the warehouse on 6 April 1907 and shipment
on 8 April 1907 in order number 98835.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 88% plus original blue finish, 50% of the slightly age darkened original case colors, and 75% of the original nitre blue on
the loading gate with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina and a series of minor scratches/scuffs on the left of the receiver. The wood is also very fine
with some scattered minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 3,750 - 5,500