Manufactured in 1878, the larger caliber Model 1876 was popular among those in the American West who believed .44-40 wasn't quite enough stopping power for whatever they might encounter. These "big bore" Winchesters truly had the stopping power to handle just about anything thrown at them on the frontier. As an example with a London retailer marking, this rifle proves that the Model 1876 had international appeal. The factory letter states the rifle was received in the warehouse on November 4, 1879, and shipped on December 1, 1879, on order number 18396 with a round barrel, plain trigger, and "lid," a reference to the dust cover. This example is a Second Model with dust cover guide retained by two screws and a dust cover with checkered "thumb print" grip. The left side plate has the London retailer marking: "J. RIGBY & Co./72 ST JAMES'S ST/LONDON." The barrel and magazine tube have been professionally shortened during the period of use, likely by John Rigby & Co. John Rigby & Co. has a long and proud tradition of building some of the world's finest sporting arms and the company was adept enough to perform barrel/magazine tube alterations on this Model 1876. In short rifle configuration (22 inch barrel) this Model 1876 would have proved popular with big and dangerous game hunters. Large caliber Winchesters of the period are known to have been shipped to England and then found their way to Africa and India where they were often employed against big cats. During the period when this rifle was shipped, British officers in India found the Model 1876 highly capable at taking down tigers. The rifle is fitted with a dovetail blade front sight and three leaf rear sight (two folding, one fixed) with inlaid sighting lines. British proofs appear on the barrel and receiver. The top of the barrel has the two-line Winchester address/patent dates marking ahead of the rear sight. The rifle correctly lacks caliber markings, as the only caliber initially offered for the Model 1876 was .45-75 WCF. The upper tang has the model designation "MODEL 1876," and the lower tang has the serial number. Mounted with smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock. The buttstock is fitted with a trapdoor crescent buttplate (cleaning rod not included).

Fine, retaining 80% London period retailer high polish blue finish with thinning to brown and gray patina on the balance. 30% original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. 20% original case colors remain on the hammer and lever. The wood is very good with a couple shallow divots and minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. This J. Rigby & Co. marked Winchester Model 1876 "tiger" short rifle will bring added dimension to any lever action or dangerous game collection. A wonderful piece of history from a bygone era.