Lot 39: Extraordinary Documented Winchester Semi-Deluxe Model 1886

This is an exceptional example of a documented special order Winchester Semi-Deluxe Model 1886 Sporting Rifle that was manufactured in 1895. This rifle is accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum factory letter that describes this Model 1886 as: "Type: Rifle, Caliber: 45/90, Barrel Type: Octagon, Barrel Length: 30 inches, Trigger: Set, Plain pistol grip stock, Sights; Globe and Peep" and "Sling & Swivels". The letter further states that this rifle was shipped from the Winchester warehouse on February 15, 1895. A second included factory letter from the late 1960s for this rifle is addressed to the famed Winchester collector Mac McCroskie. The rifle has a blue barrel, magazine and bolt with niter blue loading gate. The forearm cap, receiver, hammer, trigger, lever and crescent buttplate have a vivid color casehardened finish. The forearm and special order plain pistol grip stock are straight grain American walnut with a semi-gloss finish. The bottom of the pistol grip has an ebony inlay. The extra-long, full octagon 30-inch barrel has a Winchester globe front sight and a factory blank in the rear sight dovetail. A Lyman folding combination rear sight with coarsely knurled post is mounted on the receiver tang. The receiver has a single set-trigger. Eyes for detachable sling swivels are mounted on the stock and forend cap. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped: "-MANUFACTURED BY THE-/-WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A.-" in two lines ahead of the rear sight dovetail. The caliber designation "45-90 W.C.F." is roll-stamped on the top barrel flat ahead of the receiver. The 1884/1885 patent dates are roll-stamped in two lines on the lower tang behind the trigger. The serial number is stamped in script numerals on the lower tang between the tang screws. Model 1886 rifles with special order extra long barrels are rare. The combination of 30-inch barrel, special front and rear sights, single set trigger, plain pistol grip stock and sling swivels make this a one-of-a-kind rifle.

Excellent plus. This rifle is all original, and shows only the slightest handling marks. 99% plus of the bright original blue finish is present on the barrel, magazine and bolt. The barrel markings are perfect. The loading gate retains almost 100% of the fire blue finish. The forearm cap, receiver, hammer, trigger, lever and crescent buttplate also retain 99% of the casehardened finish with vivid case colors. The forearm and plain pistol grip stock are both in near perfect condition; all of the original finish remains. This is a really exceptional example of a Winchester Model 1886 Sporting Rifle with a rare 30-inch barrel and other special order features.