1948berg said:
I know this is a tractor community, but I suspect you guys and gals know guns.
I own a 1876 mod Winchester`s-repeating-arms New Haven CT gun
serial no 50117, original, but worn condition.
I have no intension of selling, but would like to know the value.
Is ammo easy to get? What sort would you recommend? Black powder?
1948Berg,
The light bulb went on a few minutes ago about your post. I have Thomas Heshaws "The History of Winchester Firearms 1866-1992". Published in 1993.
Sorry no prices but Hensaw says that the 45-60 WCF was first used in the rifle in 1884. There were a total 63,871 rifles made before being discontinued in 1897. "Fairly large quantities were sold, especially in England, India, Africa, and Canada. It was an early favorite of Theodore Roosevelt,..."
Based on the serial number I would guess you have a fairly late model rifle. It should have a cleaning rod in the butt stock. If that is missing I would think it would lower the rifle's value.
"The Model 1876 was basically the Winchester Model 1873 with several important changes and improvements. The receiver and other important parts were made larger and stronger to handle the larger calibers, the carbine barrel was increased from 20 inches to 22 inches in length, and the musket barrel length was increased from 30 inches to 32 inches. On both carbine and musket the forearm was extended to nearly the full length of the barrel."
"Sporting Rifle, full magazine -- 23 cartridges."
"Carbine, full magazine -- 9 cartridges."
"Musket, full magazine -- 13 cartridges."
There is a Model 1876 "1 of 1000" that might be worth some currency. On the top of the rifel it should be engraved with "1 of 1000".
No info on the 40-60 WCF in the book. But "Cartridges of the World 6th Edition" by Frank C Barnes and edited by Ken Warner from 1989 says the 45-60 was introduced in 1879 and produced until 1935 even thought the lever action rifle was discontinued in 1897. Both books say that 1897 was the end of the rifle's production. The bullet weight was 300 grains.
From the 19th Edition of the "Blue Book of Gun Values" by S. P. Fjestad, 1998, says that the 1876 was also called the Centennial Model since its introduction coincided with the US Centenniel Exposition. The Deluxe Model was color case hardened frames will add at least 50% value to the rifle.
This is getting interesting...
If this is the 1876 Rifle third model with dust cover rail integral to with frame with S/N 30,000+, prices range from $700 to $1,500. If its rated at 98% its $4,750. on the other hand if this is a Third Model Carbine, prices are $900 to $2,275. with 95% rating at $9,000.
If this has "One of One Thousand" engraved on the rifle, AND IT IS DOCUMENTED the values can range from $35,000 to $250,000.
If the rifle is engraved "One of One Hundred" the price could range from $45,000 to $500,000 if you have a documented rifle.
You could be rich!
How in the heck did you get a Winchester 1876 45-60 rifle in Norway? There has to be a story there!
Later,
Dan
