Manufactured in 1909, this Winchester Model 1886 has a wonderful, highly sought after factory engraving. The engraving on the receiver is very similar to the factory no. 9 pattern with floral scrollwork on a punch dot background, zig-zag line and dot borders and circular panel scenes depicting stags. Flourishes of scrollwork extend to the forend cap and barrel at the breech. As advertised in Winchester's "Highly Finished Arms" catalog, the no. 9 was "a very popular style of finish" that would have set a customer back $10.00 circa 1897. Factory engraved Winchester Deluxe Model 1886 Lightweight Takedown Rifles are rarely encountered. The rifle is fitted with a Marble blade front sight (bead absent) and an elevation adjustable rear sight. The left side of the barrel is stamped with the two-line address/patent dates legend ahead of the rear sight and the two-line nickel steel marking followed by "33 WCF" at the breech. A Winchester factory oval proof is stamped on the barrel and receiver. The upper tang has the three-line model/trade mark information. The lower tang carries the serial number and two-line patent dates marking. The buttstock is fitted with a hard rubber Winchester grip cap and shotgun buttplate. The forearm and pistol grip stock are highly figured XX deluxe walnut and feature "H" style checkering. The left side of the lower tang is marked "886," "R," and "XX". The assembly number "886" is repeated on the stock inlet. The stock comb has an inlaid oval with the inscription "John H. Poole/Detroit." Period publications reference J.H. Poole as the director of Union Trust Co. in Detroit. The Detroit Free Press took special interest in Poole's arrival to Detroit from Washington, DC, as the paper reported on Poole's purchase of the "beautiful residence" of Bingley R. Fales for $39,000 in 1910, or about $1,145,000 in today's money. The residence was described as "fine, not only as to the exterior, but finished in the most luxurious manner inside." Poole was a former military officer who was described as "one of the best known officers of the corps of engineers" and retired from the Army to "embark in business" in his native state of Michigan. Poole was a class of 1901 West Point graduate and had served as a military aide to the President Theodore Roosevelt. In the Engineer Officers' Reserve Corps he achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel and during World War I was assigned to the 16th Regiment of Engineers. Poole’s life tragically ended in 1940 when the wealthy retired Army officer shot himself to death at this estate in Pasadena, California. Provenance: The Quail Creek Collection

Excellent, retaining 90% plus bright original high polish blue finish with some flaking turned to brown and some pitting and light spotting on and around the takedown collar. The engraving is crisp. 70% original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. 70% original case colors remain on the hammer and lever. The wood is very fine with minor dings and scratches, nearly all of the original varnish remaining and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A high condition, very interesting Winchester Deluxe Model 1886 Lightweight takedown rifle linked to a prominent Detroit resident and military aid to President Theodore Roosevelt.