North American Auction Company
Timed Auction

Last Chance January Passed Lots Offering - Ends February 3rd

Mon, Jan 30, 2023 02:00AM EST - Fri, Feb 3, 2023 03:00PM EST
Lot 39

Winchester Model 1876 .40-60 Saddle Ring Carbine

Estimate: $5,800 - $6,500

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,500 $250
In this lot is an exceedingly rare Winchester Model 1876 Saddle Ring Carbine. Nearly the entire production of the big Model 1876 Winchester was devoted to rifle manufacture. There was a considerable contract for carbines from the Canadian Northwest Mounted Police, but aside from these historic arms, Winchester made carbines for the civilian market on a very limited basis. Total production of all Model 1876s from 1876 to its discontinuance in 1888 (with about 300 additional arms made intermittently to 1898) was a mere 63,871. In comparison, Winchester produced 323,926 of the smaller Model 1873s from 1873-1889. By the end of production of the Model 1873, 720,609 had been produced. For this obvious reason, all Model 1876 Winchesters are scarce. The 1876 Saddle Ring Carbines are seldom encountered today as so few were made. To further illustrate the rarity of this fine Saddle Ring Carbine, most were chambered in either .45-75 or .45-60 caliber. This carbine is chambered in the uncommon .40-60 caliber (.40 caliber bullet backed by 60 grains of black powder). Interestingly, Theodore Roosevelt owned several special order Winchester Model 1876 rifles, and the one he ordered in .40-60 caliber, he claimed to be his favorite for antelope hunting. To summarize, The 1876 Model, designed to take powerful big game cartridges mainly for western hunting, was a relatively limited production Winchester compared to other models. The Saddle Ring Carbine 1876 is scarce and seldom encountered. A carbine like this chambered for the rare .40-60 caliber would be considered exceptionally rare. There are many advanced Winchester collectors who have never seen an 1876 Carbine in this caliber. This fine example with serial number 50483 was manufactured in 1885. Compared to rifles in all Winchester models, carbines typically saw heavier usage. This one was obviously used, but was very well maintained. The receiver blue has naturally aged to an uncleaned gray/brown patina with some good aged blue in the protected areas with fine deep blue on the loading gate. The correct 22” barrel is similarly aged to gray/brown with excellently sharp Winchester markings and address. The rear sight is the desirable sporting ladder variety that is stamped “1876” and retains the slide, which is often missing. The rear top of the barrel is caliber stamped “40-60” as is the uncleaned brass lifter on the bottom of the receiver. The upper tang is clearly and correctly stamped “MODEL 1876.” The butt stock with correct carbine butt plate is in generally excellent condition with tight wood to metal fit, indicating that it has not been refinished or sanded. The full length forend, nearly unique to the 1876 Carbine, is fitted with the correct steel forend cap just behind the muzzle and aside from some usual worn-in handling/saddle marks is also in fine, solid condition with tight wood to metal fit. The saddle ring is intact as is the dust cover on the receiver top which are often missing. The hammer spring is strong, and the safety half-cock notch holds perfectly and securely. The lever catch is also intact and the bore is dark with visible rifling that would no doubt benefit from a thorough oiling and brushing. As with nearly all Model 1876s, this rare caliber Saddle Ring Carbine probably saw long service on the Frontier West from the 1880s through the early years of the 20th Century. This is a very unique opportunity to bid on one of the most sought after Winchester models in the most scarce saddle ring carbine variation and in the most rare caliber! This fine original condition example would be a coveted addition to the most advanced Winchester or Old West collection. Serial Number: 50483. This firearm qualifies as an antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.*
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