Lot 1010: Winchester Deluxe Model 1886 Rifle, Factory Letter

The accompanying factory letter lists this rifle with an octagon barrel in .40-65 caliber, plain trigger, and checkered pistol grip stock when received in the warehouse on October 7, 1889 and shipped on the same day. Also included is a letter of provenance indicating this rifle "was in a museum in Minneapolis." The name of the museum was not provided, but the rifle has a museum type number on the left side of the buttstock and on the buttplate. Dovetailed blade Lyman front and elevation adjustable rear sights on a barrel marked with the two-line address and "40-65 WCF." A tang peep sight is installed. The lower tang has the patent dates marking and serial number. Mounted on highly figured and checkered forearm and pistol grip stock with ebony grip insert and solid crescent buttplate. The left side of the lower tang is marked "68 XXX." "68" is repeated on the stock inlet and buttplate.

Very fine, retaining 80% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance. 70% original case colors remain on the hammer, receiver, and lever. A protective coat of varnish has been applied overall to most of the metal and wood surfaces. The wood is fine with some minor dings and scratches and a few blemishes in the overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.