Some truly interesting and unique gems float into our Guns.com warehouse, and we reserve these for our special Vault Auctions.

With the arrival of the United States of America’s semiquincentennial (250th) anniversary, we thought it was fitting to pluck this rare bicentennial-edition Browning 1878 Falling-Block Rifle – 1776-1976 for auction.

Even if you're new to firearms auctions, Guns.com makes it easy to get in on the action, with bids starting at just 1 cent. Bidding starts Aug. 3 and wraps up Aug. 9, so don't miss your chance to add this commemorative bicentennial Browning Model 1878 to your collection.

Here are detailed photographs and the key features of this highly collectible, limited-production rifle celebrating 200 years of American liberty.
 

Table of Contents

Video Overview
Brief History
Detailed Images
Key Auction Details

Video overview

Brief History

The Browning Model 1878, or B-78, was actually based on John Moses Browning’s very first firearms-related patent (U.S. Patent #220,271), and it established his long-lasting relationship with the Winchester brand. Granted in 1879, his “Breech-Loading Fire-Arm” patent design became what we now call the Winchester Model 1885, which is still in production today.

Only 1,000 engraved Model 1878s like this example were made to celebrate the nation’s 200th anniversary. Chambered for .45-70 Gov’t, this auction model is still in excellent condition, with the velvet-lined wooden box and accompanying hunting knife. It sports the serial number 092, making it an early sample from the very limited production run.
 

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Browning’s first versions of this single-shot design were assembled by hand with the help of his brother in their workshop in Ogden, Utah. After making around 600 rifles by hand, Browning sold the rights to Winchester, which proceeded to churn out numerous chambering options for the well-liked and very robust design.
 

The batch of now highly sought-after bicentennial Model 1878s was manufactured in Japan for Browning by Miroku in 1976 and finished in Belgium by FN. Already rare finds, models in excellent condition, complete with the original decorative case and accompanying hunting knife, are even harder to track down. 
 

Detailed Images

Here are some detailed images that showcase the beautiful engraving, wood, and finish on this commemorative bicentennial Browning Model 1878. 
 

Key Auction Details

As with all Guns.com auctions, bids start at just 1 cent. This auction opens Aug. 3 and ends Aug. 9, so be sure to mark your calendar. Whether you're simply a fan of historic firearm designs or a Browning buff, this commemorative bicentennial Browning Model 1878 would make an interesting addition to your arsenal.

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