Offered here is a semi-deluxe Model 1886 lever action rifle chambered in rare .38-70 WCF that was manufactured in 1902. The Winchester Arms Collector Association forum and John Madl's CFM Winchester Model 1886 Carbine record searches identified approximately half of one percent (nearly 850 guns) only, out of the 160,000 Model 1886s manufactured, were produced in .38-70 WCF caliber. Though this survey analyzed carbines, the relative rarity of the caliber also applies to rifles. The rifle is fitted with a beaded blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight. The top barrel flat is marked with the two-line Winchester address ahead of the rear sight and "38-70 WCF" at the breech. "-MODEL 1886-" is marked on the upper tang, and the lower tang has the serial number and patent dates marking. The special order plain walnut forearm and pistol grip stock feature factory checkering and the pistol grip Winchester hard rubber cap. Any of the deluxe grades of wood make for a rare Model 1886. Winchester expert and author George Madis noted, "Deluxe models 86 in the rifles made after 1900 are hard to find, partly due to the higher cost of deluxe features" ("The Winchester Book," page 312). The Model 1886 was a working man's gun, and customers were not inclined to spend extra money for special features. The left side of the lower tang is marked "506 CF." The stock inlet has the number "490" and the buttplate has the number "80."

Very fine, retaining 75% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance and some light spotting. Traces of original case colors remain on the hammer and lever. The oil darkened wood is fine with minor handling marks, "TVV" hand marked near the pistol grip, and some moderately worn checkering. Mechanically excellent.