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Rare Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:27,500.00 USD Estimated At:27,500.00 - 37,500.00 USD
Rare Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle
Auction Location:

16600 Aston Street
Irvine, CA 92606
Rare Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle, #30984, .50 Express (50/110) cal., 26'' half-octagon barrel, half magazine (button type), blue and case hardened finish, crescent butt, standard early Winchester Express three-leaf sight with platina bands, Lyman No. 3 gold bead front sight, with straight plain varnished walnut stock. Mfg'd 1889, with all features verified by factory letter. This rifle remains in its original as-shipped configuration. Early Winchester Model 1886 rifles with case hardened frames in this caliber are one of the singularly most desirable Winchester lever action rifles and are considered extremely scarce in any condition, with less than 50 examples produced in this configuration. This rifle remains in near excellent original condition retaining approx. 97% original factory blue to barrel, bolt and loading gate, with very light thinning, toning and micro-scratching. Case hardened frame, hammer and lever retain approx. 95% vivid case colors with just light toning and minor silvering to high edges. Toning is slightly more pronounced to the balance point just forward of lever. Originally case colored crescent buttplate shows moderate toning and silvering. Upper tang shows past evidence of a tang sight and all screw slots remain mostly straight and true. (This tang sight was probably added and removed after the rifle left the factory in July of 1889.) Hammer and lever with just the lightest wear in actioning areas. Front sight's gold bead has gone missing over the years which only lends to this rifle's credibility and originality. Stock retains nearly all of its original varnish with minor scuffs and scratches with small pressure dings. Action remains crisp, bore is excellent. It is of particular interest that this firearm remains in its original as-discovered condition appearing mostly uncleaned, probably never disassembled, and with no touch-ups, repairs or enhancements. Est.: $27,500-$37,500. (C&R)