Lot 27: Winchester Deluxe Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle

The accompanying factory letter for this deluxe Winchester Model 1886 rifle confirms the octagon barrel in .45-90 caliber, set trigger and checkered pistol grip stock. The rifle was received in the warehouse on December 28, 1889 and shipped six years later on December 28, 1895. Dovetail blade front and elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sights on a barrel stamped with the two-line Winchester New Haven address ahead of the rear sight and "45-90 W.C.F." at the breech. The upper tang is stamped "-MODEL 1886-". The lower tang has the two-line patent dates marking and the serial number. The frame, hammer, lever, forend cap and buttplate have the desirable casehardened finish. The loading gate is niter blue. The barrel and full length magazine are blued. The forearm and pistol grip stock are highly figured deluxe "XXX" walnut and feature multi-point "H" style checkering. The pistol grip has an ebony insert, and the buttstock is fitted with a crescent buttplate. The left side of the lower tang is marked "252 XXX." The assembly number "252" is repeated on the stock inlet and buttplate.

Very fine. The barrel and magazine retain 70% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance and some patches of dark pitting in an area behind the front sight. The vast majority of the original blue finish remains on the bolt. 80% original niter blue remains on the loading gate. The frame retains 95% vivid original case colors. 90% original case colors remain on the forend cap, hammer, lever and buttplate. The wood is also very fine with a small, barely noticeable, chip at the lower tang, a slight stress line at the upper tang, slightly undersized forearm, minor handling marks and crisp checkering overall. Mechanically excellent. A highly attractive factory documented Winchester Deluxe Model 1886 rifle in desirable .45-90 WCF that will make a great addition to any lever action collection no matter how advanced.