The included factory letter confirms the special order 30 inch, .40-82 barrel and the plain trigger and also indicates the rifle was received and shipped on October 5, 1889, as part of order 3408. A frame for the letter is included. The rifle has a German silver blade front sight, standard two-line address marking, an adjustable sporting rear sight, full length magazine tube, smooth forend, standard receiver markings, and a smooth straight wrist stock with rifle buttplate. The Model 1886 was the first lever action rifle manufactured by Winchester based on a John M. Browning design after they started their profitable relationship with the Browning Brothers through J. M. Browning's famous single shot design.

Fine as refinished. The breechblock, refinished barrel, and magazine tube retain more than half of the fading original blue finish. The receiver and other components have silver-gray and brown patina, and there are small spots of minor pitting. The wood is very good and has some chipping at the junction with the frame on the right side of the wrist and a few minor dings. The action functions fine.