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Single platinum bands are inlaid on the muzzle and receiver end of the barrel. “CAL.45-60” is engraved
in script on the top barrel flat ahead of the rear sight. “WINCHESTER’S-REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN.
CT./KING’S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29. 1866.OCTOBER 16.1860.” is roll-stamped in two
lines in front of the caliber designation. “45-60” is stamped in script numerals on the brass cartridge
elevator. The serial number “9769” is stamped in script numerals on the lower tang behind the lever
latch. Included with the rifle are a number of period documents. A copy of a newspaper article that
apparently dates from the 1950 “Winchester ‘73” movie search identifies Will E. Martin of Carmel Valley,
California, as the owner of a “One of a Thousand” Model 1876 rifle and states that it was purchased by
his father, John Martin, in the 1880s. A copy of a letter from the Winchester Public Relations Director
to “Mr. W.E. Martin” of Monterey, California, identifies rifle No. 9769 as a Winchester Model 1876 rather
than a Model 1873 rifle and states that he does not qualify for the free Winchester Model 1894 rifle
offered by the company to the first 20 persons who reported ownership of a documented Winchester
Model 1873 “One of One Thousand” rifle as part of the “Winchester ‘73” movie promotion. A second
letter, dated March 1, 1962, from Mr. T.E. Hall, Curator of the Winchester Gun Museum, to Mr. Gordon
J. Martin of Stock, California, provides some details of Model 1876 “1 of 1000” rifles but does not
mention Serial No. 9769.
CONDITION: Very fine. 40% of the original blue finish is present on the barrel and magazine with
the blue aging to an even plum patina. The scroll engraving and “One of One Thousand” markings
are sharp. The silver bands are beautifully age darkened. The caliber marking and factory legend are
crisp. The blue finish on the dust cover has aged to a brown patina. 50% of the original nitre blue
finish is present on the loading
gate. The casehardened finish
on the forearm cap and receiver
has toned to an attractive silver
patina, with flashes of vibrant
colors in the sheltered areas.
The case colors on the forearm
cap and receiver show age
discoloration and light handling
wear. The serial number and caliber designation on the cartridge elevator are sharp. The crescent
buttplate has a deep brown patina with some scattered light pitting. The stock and forearm are both
fine and show light to moderate wear with scattered light scratches and handling marks. The nicely
figured 2X walnut has an attractive aged patina. Mechanically excellent. This is a very attractive,
untouched, example of the elusive “One of One Thousand” Winchester Model 1876 rifle with
documentation leading back to its original owner. These “One of One Thousand” Winchesters are the
absolute pinnacle of Winchester collecting, the “Centennial” variation being the rarer of the two, with
an example like this one capable of being an incredible centerpiece of your collection!
Provenance: John Martin; W.E. Martin; A Private Collection.
Estimate: 160,000 - 250,000
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