Manufactured in 1898 per factory research. The accompanying factory letter confirms the 22 inch round, nickel steel barrel in .45-70 caliber, plain trigger, oil finish, checkered pistol grip stock, Lyman sporting front and rear sights ("flat top sporting rear, P. lined"), 3/4 magazine, hard rubber shotgun buttplate and takedown configuration. The top of the barrel is stamped with the two-line address/patent dates marking ahead of the rear sight and marked "45-70" and "N.S." (nickel steel) at the breech. The lower tang has the two-line patent dates marking and serial number. The Winchester grip cap and buttplate are hard rubber. The forearm and pistol grip stock are highly figured deluxe walnut and feature "H" style checkering. The left side of the lower tang is stamped "77 SR." The assembly number "77" is repeated on the stock inlet. As George Madis said, "While [Model 1886 extra lightweight 45-70 rifles] were offered over a period of years, comparatively few were produced and it is a scarce gun" ("The Winchester Book," page 249).

Extremely fine, retaining 90% original blue finish with the balance thinning to a brown and magazine wear on the underside of the barrel. 25% of original niter blue remains on the loading gate. 70% original case colors remain on the hammer and lever. The wood is excellent with some minor dings and scratches and crisp checkering overall. Mechanically excellent. A nearly impossible to find pre-1899 Winchester Model 1886 lightweight deluxe rifle.