That "different mode of protecting".....One for the historians amongst us

[hhughh]

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Have a reprint of the May 1, 1878 WRA Co. catalog.

This was when the "open-tops" were being made, and it says a "lid" will be put on rifles so ordered.  But it also says, "A different mode of protecting the lock of the gn from the action of the weather and from dirt will be provided hereafter..."

Obviously, Winchester moved on to providing mortise covers in various models and configurartions.  But is anyone aware of some other "mode of protecting" was explored by the company?

Just a wondering mind.....

Thanks,
Hugh

[Grizzly Adams]

Good question.  I am not aware of any other means of protection being employed by Winchester.  FWIW, the "open tops" were pretty neat, and very rare!

[Buck Stinson]

I'm not sure either, what they might have been referring to.  I do however, have an interesting story about an open top I had in my collection.  It was a standard sporting rifle in .45-75 with 28 octagon barrel and full magazine.  This gun had around 90% of it's original bright blue overall, including reciever.  My wife and I were on our way home from the Denver Gun show in May a few years back and happened onto a VERY small museum way off the beaten path.  We decided to stop and look around.  As we entered one of the old ranch houses, I saw an 1876 Winchester hanging over the fireplace.  As I got closer, I could see that it was an open top in very fine condition.  There was a museum volunteer standing close by, so I asked him if I could take the gun down and check the serial number.  I explained that I was gathering serial number info on original '76 Winchesters, for entry into my data base.  He said yes, so I took the gun off the mantal to examine it.  You wouldn't have beleived the look on my face when I read the serial number.  This open top was numered 5030 and my gun was 5025.  I almost had a heart attach.