The Winchester Model 1886 was the first Winchester lever action based on a John Moses Browning patent and was very popular with big game hunters. The .45-90 is very capable of handling even the largest game in North America. This early example was manufactured in 1889 and has a special order part octagon barrel and button magazine. The front sight has a folding globe, and the rear sight has an adjustable/reversible notch and elevator. It has the standard markings.

Fine as partially refinished (wood). The barrel retains 70% of the faded original blue finish mixed with a brown patina and some brighter scrapes on the balance. The other components retain 40% of the original muted case colors and have primarily gray patina on the balance. There are some small patches of slight pitting. The wood is fine as reoiled and has some light handling and storage marks. The action functions fine, and the markings are crisp throughout.