The Model 1876 was the first Winchester lever action rifle offered in calibers truly suitable for hunting large and dangerous game. The larger caliber Model 1876 was popular among those in the West who believed .44-40 wasn't quite enough stopping power for whatever they might encounter. Deluxe variations of the Model 1876 are always in demand. With only 63,871 rifles and carbines manufactured between 1876 and 1897 surviving examples of the Model 1876 rifle are scarce. Generally being viewed as a working gun, these rifles in deluxe configuration or with special order features are especially rare. This deluxe example is additionally appealing as it is factory inscribed. The accompanying factory letter states the rifle was received in the warehouse on December 21, 1888, and shipped the same day on order number 16232 with a 24 inch octagon barrel in 40-60 caliber, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, casehardened receiver, and coin silver pistol grip cap factory engraved "H.S Rutter, Wilkes Barre, Penn." The factory made an error either in recording or in the inscription as the grip cap is instead distinctly inscribed "C.S. RUTTER/WILKES BARRE/PA". The rifle retains this very rare factory inscribed grip cap. Period sources link Henry S. Rutter to several Pennsylvania businesses and financial institutions. Prior to the turn of the century Rutter was in business with his father who established a hardware store which in 1833. Later Rutter was a director of the Gap National Bank. This factory inscribed deluxe lever action certainly fits the profile of a wealthy banker. It would appear that Rutter had a habit of personalizing his high end possessions. It was reported in April 1881 that Rutter had "a beautiful set of light double harness" made by harness maker J.W. Stahl: "Beautiful monograms of H.S.R. ornament the bridles and the martingales are of heavy gold plated chain." The rifle is fitted with a German silver blade front sight, an elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight, and Vernier tang peep sight. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line Winchester address/King's patent marking ahead of the rear sight and "CAL. 40-60" at the breech. The caliber marking is again marked on the bottom of the brass cartridge elevator. The third model receiver features an integral dust cover rail and a dust cover with grip serrations at the rear. The lower tang has the serial number. It is mounted with very finely figured, H-pattern checkered forearm and pistol grip stock. The buttstock features the aforementioned factory inscribed silver grip cap and a trapdoor crescent buttplate containing an included four piece cleaning rod. The left side of the lower tang is marked "1761 XX." The assembly number "1761" is repeated on the stock inlet.

Exceptionally fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain 80% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance. The dust cover retains 40% original blue finish. The loading gate retains 80% original niter blue finish. The receiver retains 75% original case colors with the strongest colors in the protected areas. Patterns of original case colors remain on the buttplate. The hammer, lever, and forend cap retain 40% original case colors. The wood is very fine showing minor handling marks and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A very attractive and documented factory inscribed Winchester Deluxe Model 1876 rifle that will bring added dimension to any lever action collection no matter how advanced.