Manufactured in 1896. This is a desirable 45-70 Model 1886 Winchester Lever Action Rifle. The rifle had a blue barrel, magazine, loading gate and bolt with casehardened remaining parts. The top of the barrel ahead of the rear sight is marked "-MANUFACTURED BY THE-/-WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN, U.S.A.". , "45-70" is marked on top at the breech, "-MODEL 1886-" on the upper tang and the serial number is marked on the lower tang behind the lever, and marked "PAT, OCT. 14, 1884/JAN. 20, 1885" directly behind the trigger. The barrel is equipped with a dovetailed silver blade front sight and folding rear sporting sight graduated to 1,000 yards. Full magazine tube and mounted with a smooth forearm with an iron end cap and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Good. The metal surfaces have a smooth mottled brownish gray patina. The wood has been lightly sanded and refinished, and remains fair with a 2 inch very minor crack extending from the right rear of the upper tang back. There are a couple minor gouges on the upper portion of the stock, as well as some visible sand marks and a few overall minor dings. The markings are clear. The action is fine.