Winchester Model 1886 Fancy Sporting Rifle manufactured in 1886. The rifle has a special order 28-inch full octagon barrel, sling loops and steel shotgun buttplate. The rifle is engraved with factory No. 10 engraving as illustrated in the 1897 edition of Winchester "HIGHLY FINISHED ARMS" reproduced on pages 209-221 of "The Book of Winchester Engraving" by R.L. Wilson. (no factory letter available to writer at time of description). The receiver and forearm tip are engraved with ornamental scrolls and embossed borders and the left side of the receiver has a game scene with a Whitetail Deer. The forearm and pistol grip stock are highly figured, fancy grain walnut with Winchester Style H checkering. The pistol grip has an ebony inlay. The barrel has a standard sporting style front sight and folding leaf rear sight graduated to "10" and marked "1876" at the top of the leaf. The top barrel flat is marked with the two-line legend: "-MANUFACTURED BY THE-/- WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A. -" ahead of the rear sight. The caliber designation "45-90 W.C.F." is roll- stamped on the top barrel flat between the rear sight and the receiver. The upper receiver tang is roll-stamped: "-MODEL 1886-". The lower tang is marked with the 1884 and 1885 patent dates behind the trigger and the serial number "1975" surrounded by engraved flourishes.

About good as recheckered. The barrel, magazine, forearm cap, receiver and buttplate have a mottled silver gray patina with patches of darker age discoloration on the barrel and magazine. None of the blue and color casehardened finish remains on the rifle exterior. The factory engraving and game scene are crisp. The markings on the barrel and upper tang are sharp but the serial number is worn. The highly figured walnut stock and forearm are in good condition with moderate handling wear. The stock retains of the original piano finish while the forearm shows more finish wear. The deeply cut redone checkering on the forearm and pistol grip remains in good overall condition with moderate handling wear. This is a solid representative example of a scarce and very desirable, first year production, special order, factory engraved, Winchester Model 1886 Fancy Sporting Rifle.