Manufactured 1888. This is a fine example of a Browning Bros. shipped, special order Winchester Model 1886 rifle in the desirable .45-90 W.C.F. caliber. The Model 1886 was the first lever action repeating rifle designed by the legendary John Moses Browning for Winchester and marked the beginning of a long and successful relationship between the two firearms icons. Browning designed many of Winchester's most famous models until 1902, making both incredibly wealthy, when a disagreement over royalties created a rift between the two. The desirable "BROWNING BROS, OGDEN U.T" mark on top barrel flat. There are only 299 serial numbers between this rifle and Lot 58, which is also Browning Bros. marked, making it very possible they were in the same shipment. The top barrel flat is also marked with the two-line address and the desirable "45-90 W.C.F." caliber marking at the breech. The model marking is on the upper tang, and the serial number is on the lower tang. It is fitted with a set of "sporting" sights including a German silver blade front sight and an elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate. The included factory letter confirms the configuration, including the extra length 30 inch barrel, as well as receipt at the warehouse on 21 June 1888 and shipment two days later.

Very good, showing mostly a smooth grey patina, typical of a western shipped working gun, with a few scattered patches of light surface spotting and some mild oxidation on the buttplate. The wood is also very good with a few scattered minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent.