The accompanying factory letter (copy) states the rifle was received in the warehouse on May 7, 1896 and shipped on October 30, 1897 and confirms the octagon barrel in .45-90 caliber and plain trigger. The rifle has the desirable early casehardened receiver found only on Model 1886 rifles manufactured prior to 1902. It is fitted with a dovetail blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line Winchester address and caliber designation. The upper tang is stamped "-MODEL 1886-," and the lower tang has the two-line patent dates marking and serial number. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock. The buttstock is fitted with a crescent buttplate.

Very fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain 60% plus original blue finish with smooth brown patina on the balance. The bolt retains 95% original blue finish. 40% original niter blue remains on the loading gate. The frame retains 70% vivid original case colors. 40% original case colors remain on the forend cap, hammer, and lever. Slight patterns of original case colors remain on the buttplate with pitting at the toe. The wood is also very fine with a crack at the stock toe and some minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent.