3245

Scarce U.S. Navy Contract First Model Winchester-Hotchkiss Bolt Action Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Long Guns - Rifles Start Price:1,100.00 USD Estimated At:2,250.00 - 3,250.00 USD
Scarce U.S. Navy Contract First Model Winchester-Hotchkiss Bolt Action Rifle
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Scarce U.S. Navy Contract First Model Winchester-Hotchkiss Bolt Action Rifle

This is a fine example of an early first Model U.S. Navy contract Winchester-Hotchkiss bolt action rifle manufactured circa 1878. It has been determined that all the second model rifles were manufactured by Springfield Armory using Winchester supplied actions and buttplates. A total of 1,474 First Model contract rifles were made for the U.S. Navy in 1878-79. The left side of the receiver is marked with the three-line address/patent dates and the left side is marked with the serial number. "H.N." for Henry Nettleton the Ordnance inspector stamp on the bolt handle and lug. The right side breech end of the barrel is stamped with: "W.W.K./R" sub-inspector proofs and the "V/P/Eagle Head" on the opposite. In between those proofs it is stamped with the U.S. Navy inspectors "US/anchor proof." The stock has "A.L." inspectors initials behind the trigger guard. The safety/cutoff is located on the right side below the receiver. The barrel has a fixed front sight with a 1879 pattern rear sight. Blue barrel, receiver and trigger guard, bright bolt and oil finished one-piece walnut stock.

Manufacture: Winchester
Model: Hotchkiss
BBL: 28 3/4 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 45-70
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 2778

Fine with 40% of the blue finish remaining overall mostly in the protected areas with the balance showing a light brown/gray patina mix, with numerous small little nicks and dings from use and handling in the field. The stock is also fine with a nice original dark brown color with minor handling marks and some light scratches on the sides of the buttstock and sharp markings.