The powerful Winchester Model 1886 is by far one of the most iconic lever action rifles of all time and remains popular with collectors, shooters, and hunters to this day as one of the strongest lever action designs ever developed. This rugged and dependable rifle was invented by prolific firearms inventor John Moses Browning and was his first repeating rifle design to enter production but was far from his last. Browning's design was tweaked for production by none other than William Mason of Colt Single Action Army fame. The Model 1886 kept Winchester at the top of the lever action market. While a shorter action than the Model 1876, the Model 1886 was able to chamber longer cartridges, including the .45-70 Government, and its stronger locking block design was able to handle higher pressures even as Winchester made the jump to smokeless powders. The locking bolts on the '86 pass vertically through the bolt securing it firmly in place, and the design was also sleeker by abandoning dust covers and switching to an internal cartridge elevator. A powerful, dependable rifle was highly valued in the American West in the late 19th century and remained desirable for hunters through the 20th century and on to today. Among its fans in the period was Theodore Roosevelt, who used this model extensively, including testing samples for the famous Smithsonian–Roosevelt African Expedition, and the legendary Rough Rider leader also presented Model 1886s to his friends. The Model 1886 was manufactured from 1886 to 1935, and the production total reached just under 160,000, but surviving examples in exceptionally high condition are rarely encountered. The '86 was a "working gun" and thus surviving examples typically display all the character of hard use. Roosevelt used one of his rifles so much that it was sent back to the factory multiple times for repairs. This classic Winchester Model 1886 rifle is chambered in 45-90 WCF and remains in stunning condition. It is a high condition example and along with special order takedown configuration and fancy wood will make a great addition to any Winchester or lever action collection. Considered a "working gun" the Model 1886 was not often ordered with extra cost special order features, and those with special order features in high condition are becoming increasingly difficult to find. This is certainly a type of lever action well worthy of the finest collections. The accompanying factory letter states the rifle was received in the warehouse on October 5, 1896, and shipped the same day and confirms the takedown configuration, octagon barrel in .45-90 caliber, plain trigger, and fancy stock. The rifle is fitted with a dovetail blade front sight, an elevation adjustable rear sight, and a folding tang peep sight. The top barrel flat is marked with the two-line Winchester address ahead of the rear sight and "45-90 WCF" at the breech. The lower tang has the patent dates marking along with the serial number. It is mounted with highly figured plain XX walnut forearm and straight grip stock. The buttstock is fitted with a casehardened crescent buttplate. The left side of the lower tang is marked "115 XX." The assembly number "115" is repeated on the stock inlet and buttplate.

Exceptionally fine, retaining 85% plus bright original blue finish with thinning on the high edges and fading to plum on the barrel and magazine tube. 50% original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. The hammer and lever retain 60% original case colors. The wood is excellent with some handling marks. Mechanically excellent. A very impressive special order Winchester Model 1886 takedown rifle with extraordinary factory documented fancy wood. It will be a welcome addition to any lever action collection.