This is a desirable example of a .45-70 caliber Winchester Model 1886 lever action rifle with a casehardened receiver that was manufactured in 1894. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line address ahead of the rear sight and "45-70" at the breech. The upper tang is marked "-MODEL 1886-," and the lower tang is marked with the 1884 and 1885 patent dates directly behind the trigger and the serial number behind the lever. It also has a dovetailed German silver blade front sight (with yellow paint dot), a folding ladder rear sight, blue barrel and magazine tube, casehardened remaining parts, full length magazine tube, and a smooth walnut forearm with steel forend cap and straight grip stock with steel crescent buttplate. The accompanying Cody Museum letter states that the serial number was applied on March 9, 1894, and verifies the rifle configuration, caliber, round barrel, plain trigger, that it was received in on May 26, 1894, and shipped in order number 15251 on June 14, 1894.

Fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain 50% original blue finish with some cold blue tough up ahead of the forend cap, thinning to a plum patina on the balance, and some muzzle wear. The receiver retains 30% original case colors with a smooth silver/gray patina on the balance. Much of the original case colors remain on the hammer and lever and the buttplate has a smooth mottled silver/gray patina. The refinished wood is also very fine with only a few minor pressure dents and handling marks. The markings are crisp and clear. The action is excellent.