This is an example of a truly exceptional one-of-a-kind Winchester Model 1886, Take-Down, Fancy Sporting Rifle that was manufactured in 1894-5. What is truly unique about this rifle is that it is factory documented as being chambered for 50/100 caliber. In a Buffalo Bill Historical Center letter dated January 20th, 1987 Winchester Arms Museum Researcher, William L. Porter, states the following (about this rifle): In researching the Model 1886 records, I found that serial number 97359 was a 50/100 caliber arm when it left the factory. This was the only 50/100 caliber arm recorded. The aforementioned documentation is contrary to the rifle as having the "450" added to "Ex 50-100-450". It is the noted authority R. L. Wilson's opinion (letter included), that the factory remarked the rifle upon it's documented return to the factory on either July 1, 1908 and May 28, 1915. The rifle has a blued barrel and receiver with color casehardened lever, hammer and crescent buttplate. Blued receivers are typically found on special order take-down Model 1886 rifles in this serial number range. The rifle has many rare special order features which include: fancy grade, checkered walnut forearm and pistol grip stock, very rare half-round/half-octagon barrel with full length magazine, matted sighting plane on both the round and octagon portions of the barrel, rare 'Winchester Express' rear sight with two folding leaves, ebony pistol grip inlay and eyelets for detachable sling swivels on the forearm cap and butt. 1895 was the first year that the M1886 Winchester was chambered for this cartridge. The hammer has the early style knurling with double border on the spur. The upper receiver tang is roll stamped: "-MODEL 1886-" and the lower tang is marked: "-PAT.OCT.14.1884./JAN.20.1885-" in two lines behind the trigger. The serial number, "97359" is located behind the lower tang screws. The left barrel flat is roll-stamped with the two-line legend: "MANUFACTURED BY THE/WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN .CONN.U.S.A.", followed by "NICKEL STEEL" below the rear sight and "EX 50-100-450". The oval Winchester proof mark is stamped on the left barrel flat between the caliber designation and the receiver. Besides R. L. Wilson's letter and the factory letter, there is also noted Winchester authority and book author George Madis's letter dated August 1, 1994 about this rare Model 1886 50/100 included in the lot.