Very fine condition Winchester Model 1876 full octagon rifle. This rifle with serial number 50889 was manufactured in 1885 and is chambered in Theodore Roosevelt’s favorite chambering for antelope hunting .40-60. Roosevelt was known to use several Model 1876 Winchesters on him North Dakota ranch and on his many hunting trips. The Model 1876 is a larger version of the toggle bolt system Model 1873 and was chambered for larger cartridges. The 1876 was especially popular in the western frontier for big game hunting where powerful rifles were needed for long distance shooting at game the size of grizzly bears and elk. The 1876 was made in limited numbers and was replaced with the more modern Model 1886 beginning in that year. For this reason and the fact that most saw hard service on the frontier, Model 1876 rifles are very scarce and fine examples are hard to locate. This rifle with 28” octagon barrel and full magazine is in particularly attractive basically uncleaned condition. The barrel still retains considerable aged blue blending with a plum-brown patina. The magazine tube displays fine original blue that has only dulled slightly from age. The receiver also retains good blue in all the protected areas and on the loading gate with the balance showing aged blue mixing patina. The original dust cover is intact as is the lever catch. The barrel is fitted with the desirable “1876” marked sporting folding ladder sight with slide intact and is matched with the original Winchester blade front sight. All Winchester address and patent markings on the barrel are sharp and clear as is the “MODEL 1876” marking on the upper tang. The brass lifter on the bottom of the receiver has the unpolished mustard color which is a desirable attribute sought after by collectors and has the engraved “40-60” caliber designation clearly visible as it is on the top of the barrel just ahead of the breech area. The walnut stock and forend show only normal handling and display a tight wood to metal fit. The action is tight and the springs are strong. The safety half-cock notch on the hammer holds correctly and the bore, while showing normal wear, retains good rifling. Overall, a difficult to find 137 year old Winchester from the frontier period and intended for big game that shows remarkable condition and originality.