Hotchkiss Display 5-08

This is our WINCHESTER HOTCHKISS display at the Ohio show in May, 2008.

The First and Second Model Hotchkiss Rifles and Carbines were a Joint effort between Winchester and the Springfield Armory. Winchester produced the receiver, including the trigger guard. Also the butt plate, and they partially machined the stock. The parts were forwarded to Springfield who finished the guns. There was much correspondence, and too many changes to list in this short summary.

Following are descriptions of the items shown, top to bottom;

1. First Model Carbine- Serial #265. There were 500 purchased by Springfield in 1879.

2. This Civilian Style Carbine- Serial #388 was originally one of the 500 First Model Armies purchased by Springfield in 1879. Most of the First Model Armies were turned back to Winchester who converted them into Civilian Carbines.

3. First Model Navy Rifle- Serial #2167, WMF inspected. There were a total of 1474 First Model Navy Rifles purchased by Springfield in 1879

4. First Model Navy Rifle-Serial #2331, WWK inspected. Approximately 500 were inspected by WWK. 1879

5. Second Model Carbine-Serial #4072. Winchester developed the Second Model to answer various design flaws in the Firsts. This Carbine is one of 80 Second Models that were exchange for First Models in 1880.

6. Second Model Navy Rifle-Serial #4978. Springfield purchased 500 Second Model Rifles for the Navy. 1880

7. Third Model Army Rifle-Serial # 23649. Ultimately Winchester developed the Third Model Rifle, and produced it entirely at Winchester. Springfield purchased 712 in 1884.

8. Third Model Civilian Style Rifle-Serial # 82606. The California Guard purchased 386 of these in 1915.

Note that this display is enhanced with a mannequinn outfitted with an 1883 Sack Coat, an 1886 Private Purchase Cavalry hat, and an 1880 Carbine Sling. The sling is attached to a Second Model Carbine- Serial # 12768. There were roughly 500 First Model Carbines and Rifles exchanged with Winchester for these Second Model Carbines until Winchester called a halt to the exchange deal. Also note the related items in the display,including the photo in front of the mannequinn depicting use of the outfitted items.

This brief description of our display is by no way meant to answer all of your questions relating to the Hotchkiss Contracts. Please email me with your unanswered questions at djcurlovic at mtsinet dot com

Jim