Workers at the Great Basin National Park in Nevada discovered a 132-year-old Winchester rifle in November.

132-year-old Rifle Found In National Park

The rifle, a Winchester Model 1873, was propped up, leaning against a tree in the Nevada desert when it was discovered in November. How long the rifle has been there remains a mystery, but reports suggest it has been sitting out in the harsh weather for quite some time.

“The 132 year-old rifle, exposed to sun, wind, snow and rain was found leaning against a tree in the park. The cracked wood stock, weathered to grey, and the brown busted barrel blended into the colors of the old juniper tree in a remote rocky outcrop, keeping the rifle hidden for many years,” wrote the Great Basin National Park on their Facebook page.

With the model name and serial number engraving still in tact, workers were able to research the rifle using the Cody West Firearms Museum records. The rifle was manufactured and shipped in 1882, though where it went from there is unclear. Records didn’t show when or to whom the rifle was sold or where it was shipped.

The Great Basin National Park has announced that it will be putting the rifle on display before sending it to be conserved by professionals. Afterwards, the rifle will return to Great Basin where it will be displayed at the Park’s 30th Birthday and National Parks Service Centennial celebration.

Article by Olivia Truffaut-Wong

Olivia Truffaut-Wong was born and raised in Berkeley, California, where she developed her love of all things entertainment. After moving to New York City to earn her degree in Film Studies, she stayed on the East Coast to follow her passion and become an entertainment writer. She lives on a diet of television, movies and food.