Winchester Hotchkiss 1st Model Carbine 45-70 Gov. Bolt Action Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,275.00
LSB#: LSB260204JM001
Make: Winchester
Model: Hotchkiss Carbine
Serial Number: 12309
Year of Manufacture: 1881
Caliber: .45-.70
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Mag Tube
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HABEN. CONN. U.S.A. PATENTED OCT. 18. 1860. JUNE 25. 1872. JULY 23. 1878. AND UNDER B.B HOTCHKISS PAT’S AUG.17. 1869 FEB. 15. 1870. NOV. 9. 1875. NOV. 14. 1876. JAN. 23. 1877.” The serial number is marked on the top left side of the ejection port.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a Lyman beaded blade pinned into a base soldered to the barrel. The rear sight is a folding ladder adjustable out to 1k yds.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is a one piece smooth walnut, one band retained by spring clip, straight grip, straight comb, saddlering, with smooth steel buttplate. The LOP is 13 1/2″ from trigger to buttplate. This stock has been refinished. There are scattered scratches and compression dents throughout. The cartouche is missing. There are no cracks. Overall this stock is in Very Good condition for a refinish.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright and the rifling is well defined. There is light erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its current metal finish. There is light pitting and damage, some of which has been finished over. There is evidence of a scope mount screw that has been plugged and blued over. The screw heads are tooled but serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Very Good condition for an antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: Cody Firearms Museum Records Check.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Hotchkiss Carbine represents one of the earliest bolt action designs adopted and tested by the U.S. military during the late 19th century, marking a transitional period between single shot trapdoor rifles and the repeating bolt actions that would follow. Developed in the 1870s and produced in limited numbers, the Hotchkiss system utilized a tubular magazine housed in the buttstock, an innovative but short-lived approach to increasing firepower. This 1881-dated example falls within the early production of these carbines, chambered in .45-70 Government, the standard U.S. service cartridge of the era known for its heavy bullet and black powder performance.
This example has been refinished but retains strong visual appeal, with approximately 90% of its current metal finish remaining over surfaces that show underlying light pitting and prior wear. The receiver markings remain clear and legible, preserving the extensive patent history associated with the Hotchkiss system. There is evidence of a previously installed scope mount that has since been removed and filled. The walnut stock has also been refinished and remains in Very Good condition, showing scattered handling marks but no cracks, with the saddle ring and carbine configuration intact, maintaining the rifle’s original profile despite the absence of a visible cartouche.
The bore is semi-bright with well-defined rifling, though there is light erosion and pitting present, rating 6 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The action functions correctly, operating the unique internal magazine system through the bolt. Overall, this Winchester Hotchkiss Carbine stands as a solid and visually attractive example of an early American bolt action military design, retaining its historical character while reflecting refinishing and period use. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF