CLASSIC GUNS
One of One Thousand
If you've ever lusted after Winchester's grandest creation, there are some exquisite replicas available.
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Among the most sought after--and arguably the most handsome--of collectibles are the 1873 and 1876 Winchester "One of One Thousand" rifles. These lever-action icons of the Old West command prices that soar into the stratosphere at auctions and collectors' shows. However, with only a handful of originals of either model having been produced, coupled with the scarcity of surviving specimens, it's no wonder that they command hefty prices.
Interestingly, though, the One of One Thousand Winchesters always did. Originally advertised in the 1875 catalog, the One of One Thousand Model 1873 would set a 19th century shooter back a full $100, while a standard Model 1873 would sell for around $18 to $20 and a regular production Model 1876 would fetch a dollar or so more. These One of One Thousand models were the rifles with barrels that proved to shoot a bit more accurately than the average production barrel.
These select guns were fitted with set triggers, varying degrees of engraving, high-grade checkered wood stocks and an extra-nice finish--inside and out. And, of course, they had the legend "One of One Thousand" engraved in script form atop each barrel. A slightly lesser-quality version, but still better than standard production, was designated "One of One Hundred" and sold for $20 over the list price.
By 1877 Winchester stopped offering these special rifles in its catalog, although a few were made afterward. Estimates vary, but it is thought that the company only produced around 133 One of One Thousand 1873 models, and only eight '73s qualified for the "One of One Hundred" stamping.
Of the larger and more powerful 1876 models, it is believed that only about 50 of these coveted rifles and just seven representing the One of One Hundred models left the factory. Proud owners of 1873 One of One Thousand rifles included Wild West show sharpshooter Doc Carver, Montana pioneers Granville and Thomas Stuart, and outlaw Teton Jackson, along with other lawmen, cattlemen and sportsmen.
Considering the scarcity and cost, it would seem that owning a rifle like one of these special-issue Winchesters is all but out of the question for most of us. But thanks to such companies as Cimarron Fire Arms and Doug Turnbull Restoration, today's shooter can own a detail-perfect, beautifully finished and handsomely engraved replica of one of these frontier masterpieces--without having to mortgage the ranch. These companies offer copies of these rifles at prices that are still affordable to many.
Cimarron Fire Arms is well known as one of the foremost importers of Uberti and other Italian-import replica percussion and metallic-cartridge firearms of the mid-19th century. Among its offerings are the standard-grade Model 1873 and Model 1876 lever-actions. These may be had in a variety of barrel lengths, calibers, finishes, grades and models, including what Cimarron calls its Original Finish antiqued firearms.
Perhaps Cimarron's finest offering is its detail-perfect copy of the One of One Thousand model. While such a rifle can be ordered with almost any type of engraving imaginable (including custom patterns or authentic patterns that may not be in Cimarron's normal selections, as long as the customer supplies good artwork for Cimarron's engravers to work from), its standard grade (if such a name could be applied to such an exquisite firearm) follows the traditional embellishments of several known originals.
Cimarron's One of One Thousand Model 1873 features a brushed-nickel, fully engraved receiver sporting a floral and scroll design with an animal on each sideplate--generally a bear or cougar on one and an elk or deer on the other. Barrels and other parts can either be blued (charcoal blue or standard dark blue/black), nickel plated (bright or brushed finish), the antiqued Original Finish to give it the look of a vintage piece or even sport the addition of such features as gold-plated sideplates and other parts.
Stocks are of deluxe walnut and can be had either in straight-stocked configuration or with the checkered pistol grip. Sights are a buckhorn rear and a blade-type front, and the buttstock has the military-style buttplate. Standard engraving patterns are all done by hand in Italy.
