Offered here is a Winchester Model 1886 rifle chambered in highly desirable and factory documented .50 Express caliber with the factory notation in letter "Winchester High Velocity". The accompanying factory letter confirms the nickel steel octagon barrel in .50 Express, plain trigger, and Lyman front and sporting rear sights when it was received in the warehouse on June 27, 1905 and shipped the same day. The letter also lists a January 4, 1911 repair and return date. The rifle is fitted with a Lyman beaded blade front sight, an elevation adjustable rear sight, and a folding tang peep sight. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line address legend ahead of the rear sight and "50 EX" at the breech. The upper left barrel flat is stamped "NICKEL STEEL." A Winchester factory oval proof is stamped on the barrel and receiver. The lower tang has the patent dates marking as well as the serial number. The straight grip stock is fitted with a casehardened crescent buttplate. The hammer and lever are also casehardened. The remaining surfaces are blued. Released in 1893-1894, the .50 Express cartridge was one of the most powerful commercial cartridges available at the time, being very comparable to the safari cartridges favored by European sportsmen. Demand for the cartridge in the United States was low however, and relatively few of these rifles were manufactured, making them an extremely desirable piece in today's collector's market!

Excellent, retaining 98% plus bright original highly polished blue finish with some scratches visible on the forend cap and some wear from the rear sight. Most of the original niter blue remain on the loading gate. 97% vivid original case colors remain on the hammer and lever. 85% faded original case colors remain on the buttplate. The wood is also excellent with some scattered minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. An outstanding Winchester Model 1886 Rifle chambered in the sought after .50 Express caliber that is a must have for any serious Winchester collector.