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Inscribed "Africa 1909" Deluxe Winchester Model 1886 Takedown Lever Action Rifle in Desirable 45-90

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:6,500.00 USD Estimated At:13,000.00 - 22,500.00 USD
Inscribed  Africa 1909  Deluxe Winchester Model 1886 Takedown Lever Action Rifle in Desirable 45-90
This is a nice example of a Winchester Model 1886 Fancy Sporting Rifle manufactured in 1909 in 45-90 W.C.F. caliber. The top of the barrel is marked with the two line address/patent dates ahead of the rear sight and "45-90 W.C.F." at the breech end. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1886 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK". The lower tang is marked with the 1884 and 1885 patent dates directly behind the trigger and the serial number to the rear. The upper right side of the receiver is period inscribed "Africa 1909". President Teddy Roosevelt took a hunting trip to Africa in 1909 and a lot of rifles were taken on the hunt. This rifle is chambered in Teddy Roosevelt's favorite caliber. Possibly it was one of the rifles taken on that trip. Further research may reveal if this was taken on the trip. The barrel is equipped with a Lyman blade front sight with ivory bead and two folding leaf Lyman rear sight. There is a Lyman peep sight mounted on the left side of the receiver. Half magazine tube, blue finish with casehardened hammer and lever, and mounted with deluxe, nicely figured checkered walnut forearm with metal end cap and pistol grip stock with a hard rubber Winchester grip cap and checkered hard rubber Winchester buttplate.
BBL: 26 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 45-90
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 147840A
Condition: Very fine. The barrel and magazine retain 95% original blue finish with some thinning at the muzzle, and a few minor scratches and handling marks. The receiver retains 50% of the original blue finish with a smooth gray patina on the bottom and smooth brown on the sides. The lever and hammer retain 50% original case colors concentrated on the sides with a smooth mottled gray patina on the balance. The wood is excellent with 95% original finish remaining and some overall scattered minor dings and dents, with crisp checkering. The markings remain crisp and clear. The action is excellent.