The Winchester Model 1887 was the first highly successful repeating shotgun. 64,855 were manufactured in 1887-1901. Most prior shotguns were single or double barrel break actions. The Model 1887 held six shots and could be fired rapidly. It is no surprise that this fine arm was based on designs by John M. Browning given his long and productive relationship with Winchester. Production of this model began just two years after Browning sold his single shot design to Winchester. The Model 1887 built upon the solid reputation of Winchester’s lever action rifles and carbines that were already in widespread use throughout the country. Many Model 1887s replaced double barrel coach guns used by "shotgun messengers" employed by express companies and lawmen throughout the country. Cochise County Sheriff John Horton Slaughter is known to have been fond of these six shot repeaters. The accompanying factory letter lists this shotgun with a 32 inch fine Damascus barrel in 10 gauge and fancy checkered pistol grip stock when received in the warehouse on January 6, 1898, and shipped on March 30. The letter lists a returned and repaired date (April 28, 1898). The barrel is fitted with a single bead sight and is marked with the two-line address and "10/FULL." The left side of the frame has the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. monogram. The bottom of the receiver at the front has the serial number, and the lower tang is marked with the four-line address/patent dates information. The left side of the wrist is stamped "T. TYLER" in small letters (unidentified individual at this time). Mounted on highly figured and checkered forearm and round knob pistol grip stock with checkered steel buttplate. The left side of the lower tang is marked "364 XX." "364" is repeated on the stock inlet, and the buttplate has the number "311." Length of pull is 12 3/4 inches. This gorgeous shotgun was formerly part of the Felix Bedlan collection.

Excellent. 95% plus vivid original case colors remain. The barrel retains 97% original Damascus pattern with loss mostly at the muzzle. The magazine tube retains 95% plus original blue finish with a couple minor scratches. The wood is also excellent with a tiny surface chip missing on the grip area (right side) and a couple long scratches, otherwise some mild-minor handling evidence and a few blemishes in the overall crisp checkering. Nearly all of the factory quality refinished blue remains on the buttplate. Mechanically excellent.