Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout us
Log InCreate Account
Rock Island Auction CompanyRock Island Auction Company
Contact us
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
Locations
Bedford, TX
3600 Harwood RoadBedford, Texas 76021, USA
Rock Island, IL
7819 42nd Street WestRock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
Hours
Monday - Friday8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Navigation
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout usAccount
More Info
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyJob postings & CareersOrder a catalogContact
Social media
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
Disconnected
Unable to connect to live update server, attempting reconnection. If this persists, please try refreshing your browser.
Disconnected state indicated by at top of page. If you cannot see this icon, you are connected.
Rock Island Auction Company
Hello.
Please Log In, or .

Home
Auctions
Consignment
Latest
FAQ
About us

  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 19

Lot 19:Smoothbore Winchester Model 1886 Rifle in .50 Express

August 26th, 2022|Rock Island, IL
  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 19

Lot 19:Smoothbore Winchester Model 1886 Rifle in .50 Express

August 26th, 2022|Rock Island, IL
Price Realized:
Login to viewLogin to view
Price obfuscated
Estimated Price$20,000 - $35,000
Log In to use Wishlists
Share

Rare, Highly Desirable, Special Order Smoothbore Marked Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Takedown Rifle in .50 Express with Letter of Authenticity

Manufactured in 1920 with Winchester factory oval proofs on top of the barrel and receiver at the breech. The two-line address and patent marking in on the upper left of the barrel in front of the rear sight and the upper left of the barrel at the breech is marked "SMOOTH BORE 50-EX." Winchester factory records indicate that there were 15 of these rare smoothbore Model 1886s manufactured, with likely a handful more, such as this example, that fall into the serial number range that is not present in the factory records. The upper tang is marked with the three-line model and trademark information while the serial number is marked on the lower tang. The included Leroy Merz letter of authenticity states that he has encountered five or six of the .50 Ex. smoothbore Model 1886s, and that he believes this example to be original and correct, including the bore diameter. The bore diameter on this example is approximately .497, indicating that this is an original smoothbore barrel as the diameter would be larger if rifling had been removed. It is fitted with a Lyman beaded blade front sight and a three-leaf express rear sight, and the frame is in takedown configuration. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate. These smoothbore rifles are one of the rarest variations of Model 1886 available to the collecting community and are highly desirable.

Rating definitionExtremely fine, retains 75% plus of the original blue finish with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth brown patina, most noticeably on the receiver, some scattered light spotting on the left rear of the barrel, and some light cleaning visible on the rear sight base. The wood is very fine with some scattered minor handling marks and retaining most of the varnish. Mechanically excellent.
Details
ManufacturerWinchester
Model86
TypeRifle
Serial number
ClassCurio & Relic Long Gun
Caliber / Gauge50 express
Barrel26 inch round smoothbore
Finishblue
Stockwalnut

Item LocationRock Island, IL
Views3825
Catalog page36
Find MoreRelated Items
Lot 1Antique Special Order Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle
View Lot
Lot 19Antique Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle
View Lot
Lot 2Antique Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle in .45-70
View Lot
Lot 1137Browning Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle
View Lot
Show More