“One of One Thousand” Winchester Model 1876 Rifle
One of the most desirable of all Winchester firearms, the “One of One Thousand” Model 1876 Rifle will be up for grabs at the Rock Island Auction Company’s Premiere Firearms Auction on September 10-12 in Moline, Illinois. These and other McCroskie Winchesters will join the over 260 Winchesters in a firearms auction containing over 2600 lots.
The “One of One Thousand” Winchester First Model 1876 lever action rifle has a blue, full octagon, barrel and full-length magazine. The rifle has the special finish found on “One of One Thousand” or “One of One Hundred” firearms. Some of the salient features include “One of One Thousand” barrel markings, script engraving and inlays on the barrel and muzzle, select walnut stock and forearm and case colors.
The accompanying factory letter dated April 17, 1989 verifies the rifle configuration, octagon barrel, set trigger, checkered stock, long range sights, casehardened, “1 of 1000” and that it was shipped with one other gun on December 28, 1877 to order number 10889.
The First Model 1876 Sporting Rifle is expected to sell for between $300,000 and $500,000. On the other hand, the J Ulrich signed, factory engraved First Model 1873 “One of One Thousand” Centennial Rifle might fetch something between $200,000 and $400,000. These magnificent examples of rare and highly desirable Winchesters are said to be in excellent condition.
