This is an example of a special order Winchester Model 1886 lever action rifle that was manufactured in 1892 and is accompanied by a factory letter dated May 2016 that lists this rifle with the following features: Rifle, Caliber 45/90, round barrel, plain trigger, 1/2 magazine, shotgun butt, and express sights. The letter indicates this rifle was received in the Winchester warehouse on Sept 23, 1892, and shipped on Sept 24, 1892. It has a full length, 26 inch round barrel, color casehardened forearm cap, receiver, hammer and loading lever; and the remaining parts blued. It is fitted with a straight grain American walnut stock and forearm with a varnished finish. The barrel has a Lyman beaded front sight and a "Winchester Express" sporting style rear sight. The rear sight has three leafs (one standing and two folding) marked for 50, 100, and 200 yards. The upper tang is factory drilled and tapped for a tang sight. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "-MANUFACTURED BY THE-/-WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A.-" in two lines ahead of the rear sight. The caliber "45-90 W.C.F." is roll-stamped on the top of the barrel just ahead of the receiver. The left rear side of the barrel is stamped with the typical British proofs that consist of "Crown GP/451/Crown V" and "Standing Lion/NP"; the "Crown/V" firing proof is also stamped on the left side of the receiver and on top of the breech bolt. The upper receiver tang is roll-stamped: "-MODEL 1886-". The 1884 and 1885 patent dates are stamped on the lower tang immediately behind the trigger, and the serial number "68965" is stamped in script numerals behind the rear tang screw. Interestingly, it is hand stamped on the right rear side of the barrel with number "L8279" and then "14477" in the stock just behind the lower tang. It would seem that both of these are some kind of British company ownership, inventory, or property markings.

Fine overall with 80% of the blue finish remaining on the barrel and 60% of the period refinished case colors remaining on the sides of the receiver which are starting to darken and fade on the underside and lower sides. The refinished stock and forend are both in very fine condition with 90% of the varnish overall and minor handling marks and light dings on the underside of both components. This is a very nice looking early Winchester Model 1886 Special Order lever action rifle.