Excavated Winchester Model 1876 Centennial Rifle
Item #: AA3292
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This is an excavated Winchester Model 1876 Centennial rifle that was recovered on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana. The Model 1876 Winchester rifle was the first gun Winchester produced specifically for big game hunting. During it's 21 years of production several levels and three models of the weapon were produced. The most sought after was the "One of One Thousand", having highly accurized barrels, set triggers and special finishes and engraving. Of the 63, 871 Centennials produced, between 51 and 54 were of the One of One Thousand grade. The 1876 could be purchased as a 22" barrel carbine, a 26" barrel Express Rifle with a half length magazine, a 28" barrel Sporting Rifle and a 32" barrel Musket. Standard rifles had a blued finish, deluxe models were casehardened. There were three different models, the first model had no dust cover and a lever latch threaded into the lower tang. These were the first 3000 rifles produced. The second model had a dust cover mounted on a central guide secured to the receiver with two screws, a checkered oval finger guide is stamped on top of the dust cover. These rifles have a serial number between 3001 and 30000. The third model had a dust cover with a serrated oval finger guide stamped on top, and is serial numbered 30001 through 63871. These rifles were chambered in a variety of calibers, .45-75 Winchester, .40-60 Winchester, .45-65 Winchester and .50-95 Express. Teddy Roosevelt used an engraved, pistol gripped half magazine 1876 during his hunting expeditions and had high praise for it. When Geronimo was captured in 1886 a Model 1876 was found in his possession. This appears to be a first model 1876 that is chambered in .45-60. The hexagonal barrel measures 28", making it a Sporting rifle. The front and rear sights are missing, as well as the magazine tube. The forehand and stock are also long gone, leaving only the barrel, receiver and cocking lever. There is no dust cover and the lever latch is still threaded into the lower tang. The only way to know for sure is to clean the rust off the lower tang and see if the serial number is readable. The brass plate on the bottom of the receiver is engraved with the caliber .45-60. I have no information as to who dug the weapon or when it was recovered. The paperwork from the previous dealer will accompany the weapon to it's new owner. You don't run across these old Winchesters in relic condition very often, so you should take advantage of this opportunity!
Shipping Weight:
6 lbs
Item # AA3292
Your Price $895.00 USD
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