Rare Winchester Hotchkiss "Second Model" Repeater - US Navy Marked

Description

11/18/24 - For sale is a rare Winchester Hotchkiss Repeating rifle made in the 1880s. The US Military would become interested in turn bolt repeating rifles in the late 1800s as breachloading single shot rifles were being phased out in the rest of the world. Winchester would buy the rights to Hotchkiss's turn bolt design and would create the Model 1879 rifle. The US Army and Navy would both adopt these rifles in small numbers. The US Navy would purchase 999 of the second-model repeating rifles. This example is the second model of the series of Winchester Hotkiss rifles. The rifle is in great condition for its age with the rifle retaining roughly 85% of its original finish. The top of the barrel has the most amount of wear, specifically around the rear sight. The stock is in great condition with no cracks or breaks. There are many handling wear marks throughout. There is an inspector stamp visible below the safety and on the left side of the buttstock. The year of acceptance is illegible from a pressure mark. The bore is bright with great rifling but is dark at the muzzle. On top of the barrel, in front of the receiver, is marked "US" with an anchor.