Offered here is serial number 3 of Winchester's first highly successful repeating shotgun, the Model 1887. This first day production Model 1887 is made even more desirable by being in highly sought after deluxe configuration. 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 Damascus barrel is fitted with a single bead front sight. The left side of the frame has the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. monogram, and the lower tang bears the Winchester address/patent dates marking. The shotgun correctly lacks a gauge marking as the gauge was not marked on the barrel until after the 3000 serial number range. The deluxe walnut forearm and round knob pistol grip stock features checkering. The buttstock is fitted with a checkered steel buttplate. The sides of the tangs are unmarked. The stock inlet is stamped with the number "6" or "9." Serial number 3 sets the record as the earliest Model 1887 we have sold. This title was previously held by no. 13 (lot 3052 in our December 2019 Premier Firearms Auction). Serial no. 1 was engraved by John Ulrich, presented by automobile tycoon Henry Ford to automobile tire giant Harvey Firestone and today is part of the Buffalo Bill Center of the West collection. The whereabouts of serial no. 2 are unknown to us.