This Winchester Model 1886 Rifle has several highly sought after special order features including matted barrel, deluxe checkered stock, takedown configuration and set trigger. The combination of special order features on this rifle is extremely scarce. The high condition only adds to this rifle's desirability. With the exception of the set trigger, the accompanying Winchester Gun Museum letter confirms the round matted barrel in .45-90 caliber, takedown configuration, checkered pistol grip stock and shotgun butt. The listing of "plain trigger" in the letter is likely a factory recording error. It is the opinion of the writer that the set trigger is original. The letter also states the rifle was shipped from the factory on October 25, 1894. The rifle is fitted with a dovetail beaded blade Lyman front sight, a three leaf rear sight, and a folding tang peep sight. The two-line address is correctly stamped through the matting on top of the barrel ahead of the rear sight. The caliber designation "45-90 W.C.F." is stamped on the left side of the barrel at the breech to accommodate the matting. Winchester expert and author George Madis pointed out, "Matted barrels were produced in very limited numbers" ("The Winchester Book," page 595). The matting on this rifle is the early cross checkering type. Later production saw this very rare special order feature as wavy lines. The lower tang has the two-line patent dates marking and the serial number. As stated, the receiver is fitted with a set trigger. The hammer and lever are casehardened. The loading gate is nitre blue. The remaining surfaces are blued. The checkered forearm and pistol grip stock are highly figured "XX" deluxe walnut, the pistol grip has a hard rubber inlay on the bottom, and the buttstock is fitted with a smooth steel blued buttplate. The left side of the lower tang is marked "247XXS." The assembly number "247" is repeated on the stock inlet.

Excellent, retaining 97% plus bright original polished blue finish with very minimal handling marks and wear. 99% plus vivid original case colors remain on the hammer and lever. 97% original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. The wood is also excellent with some minor handing marks, overall crisp checkering, and nearly all original varnish remaining. Mechanically excellent. A rare and gorgeous special order Winchester Deluxe Model 1886 Takedown Rifle that will be nearly impossible to improve upon. This Model 1886 will be a stand out piece in any Winchester or lever action collection no matter how advanced. For the serious Winchester collector looking for only the best here it is!