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Winchester Third Model Hotchkiss Bolt Action Musket with Factory Letter

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Long Guns - Muskets Start Price:900.00 USD Estimated At:1,800.00 - 2,750.00 USD
Winchester Third Model Hotchkiss Bolt Action Musket with Factory Letter
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Winchester Third Model Hotchkiss Bolt Action Musket with Factory Letter

This is a fine example of a Winchester 1883 Third Model bolt action musket. The Winchester-Hotchkiss was originally designed by Benjamin Hotchkiss and featured a turn bolt action design with a tubular magazine that loaded under the bolt. He sold the patent rights to Winchester in 1877 and this was Winchester's first attempt at producing and marketing a bolt action rifle. These Third Models can be easily distinguished from the earlier models by the two-piece stock. The lower tang has the three-line patent marking "PAT. OCT. 16. 1860 JUNE 25. 1872. JULY 23. 1876.//FEB.15.1870.NOV.9. 1875.NOV.14. 1876. JAN.23.1877." The upper tang is marked "MODEL OF 1883 " and the forward area of the receiver ahead of the trigger guard has the serial number. The top of the barrel is marked "---MANUFACTURED BY THE---/---WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CONN. U.S.A.---" ahead of the rear barrel band and "45-70" is marked on top at the breech. The rear sight is graduated 1,000 yards with range markings 1 through 5 on the left side of the ski slope base, which is also marked "R" on the left side. The receiver, buttplate and trigger guard are casehardened and the remainder is blue. Iron cleaning rod with a serrated, slotted head, and mounted with a smooth full length walnut forearm and straight grip stock with an iron buttplate. The accompanying factory letter verifies the musket configuration, that it was received in the warehouse on March 13, 1895 and shipped to order number 595814 on January 5, 1915.

Manufacture: Winchester
Model: Hotchkiss
BBL: 28 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 45-70 Government
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 82697

Very fine. The barrel is a mix of streaks of thin original blue finish and smooth plum patina, showing a small amount of scattered minor spotting. The barrel bands have a smooth brown patina. The receiver and trigger guard assembly retain 50% original case colors with a smooth dove gray patina on the balance. The wood is also very fine with a few minor pressure dents and handling marks. The markings are clear. The action is excellent.