This is a very nice example of a Winchester Model 1886 Rifle manufactured in 1896. The rifle has a casehardened frame, forearm cap, hammer, lever and buttplate, with blue finish on the remaining metal parts. The barrel is equipped with dovetailed blade front and three leaf rear sights. The top of the barrel is marked "MANUFACTURED BY THE/-WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A.-" ahead of the rear sight and "50 EX" at the breech. The upper tang is marked "-MODEL 1886-", and the lower tang is stamped with the 1884 and 1885 patent dates in two lines behind the trigger with the serial number between the tang screws. 1/2 magazine tube and mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate. There are sling swivel eyes mounted on the forend cap and stock. The accompanying factory letters verify the rifle configuration, 50/110 caliber, round barrel, 1/2 magazine (4 cartridge), plain trigger, that it was received in the warehouse on March 24, 1896, and shipped from the warehouse with one other arm on April 13, 1896, to order number 7973.

Fine overall. The barrel and magazine tube retain 85% plus original blue finish with some thinning on the muzzle end, some minor muzzle wear and a few minor dings on the barrel. 95% original blue finish remains on the bolt, which shows some minor spotting. There are traces of a protective coat of varnish on the barrel and magazine tube. The receiver retains 30% original vivid case colors with a smooth mottled gray patina on the balance. Most of the dark original case colors remain on the hammer and there are strong original case colors on the sides of the lever, and a smooth gray patina on the balance. The wood is very good as having been coated with protective varnish some time ago, showing a number of small pressure dents on the underside of the stock between the toe and the sling swivel eye, and overall some minor dings and scratches. The markings are crisp and clear. The action is excellent.