Winchester Model 1876 rifle chambered for the .50-95 Winchester Express cartridge manufactured in 1878. The rifle has the Second Model receiver with screw-fastened dust cover rail and dust cover with oval, "thumb-print" finger guide. The rifle has a special order full nickel plated finish and "XX" deluxe, fancy grain stock and forearm with checkered panels. The barrel has a standard nickel plated sporting style front sight and blued sporting style rear sight. The crescent butt plate has a sliding brass trap. The butt trap contains a four-piece jointed steel cleaning rod. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the two-line legend: "WINCHESTER'S-REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CT./KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29.1866. OCTOBER 16. 1860." ahead of the rear sight. "50 CAL. EXPRESS" is hand-engraved on the top of the barrel between the rear sight and the receiver. The top of the dust cover is hand-engraved: "WINCHESTER EXPRESS/.50 CAL. 95 GRS." in two lines. The upper receiver tang is roll-stamped: "MODEL. 1876." in fancy letters. The serial number "7746" is located on the lower tang behind the lever latch. The rifle is complete with two hand-written letters from the late author and Winchester expert George Madis. The letters give a detailed analysis of the rifle and state: "I have carefully examined this fine rifle, inside and out, and have determined it is original and correct as made by Winchester". The letters also state that records from the Cody Firearms Museum list this rifle as "Rifle, Express, Octagon barrel and a plain trigger" and indicate that it was shipped from the Winchester factory on May 13, 1879. The letter further states that the hand engraved markings on the barrel and dust cover are correct for early production Model 1876 Express rifles. The Madis letter also states that examination of the rifle indicates that it may have been used in cartridge development at Winchester before being nickel plated and stocked with "XX" walnut for a special order. The combination of a 50-95 Express chambering, nickel plated finish and checkered, fancy grain stock and forearm is rare.

Very fine as partially refinished (wood) and upgraded possibly by factory to deluxe configuration. The rifle retains at least 90% of the period, possibly factory nickel plated finish. Finish wear is confined to some flaking on the lower forward edge of the receiver at the junction with the stock. The sides of the receiver, side plates and edges of the barrel show the first traces of potential flaking. The hand engraved and roll-stamped markings on the barrel, dust cover and receiver tang are crisp. The stock and forearm have been professionally refinished to new condition and have a beautiful semi-gloss finish. The checkering is extremely sharp. Whatever the explanation, this is still a true 50 Express Winchester Model 1876 Lever Action Rifle that would adorn any collection!