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Special Order Early Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 7,500.00 USD
Special Order Early Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle
This is an example of a Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle that was manufactured in 1888. The rifle has a blue matte top barrel, magazine tube, special high comb fancy walnut (3X) stock loading gate and bolt with casehardened remaining parts. (No letter is available to writer at time of description, but gun appears genuine.) The top barrel flat is matted and marked "-MANUFACTURED BY THE- / -WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN, U.S.A." in front of the rear sight , "40-65" is marked on top at the breech, "-MODEL 1886-" on the upper tang and the serial number is marked on the lower tang behind the lever, and marked "PAT, OCT. 14, 1884 / JAN. 20, 1885" directly behind the trigger. The barrel is equipped with a dovetailed silver blade front and adjustable rear sporting sights, full magazine and mounted with a smooth nicely figured walnut forearm with an iron end cap and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.
BBL: 24 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 40-65
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 63738
Condition: Very fine. The barrel and magazine tube have a majority of a protective coat remaining and 98% original blue finish with some thinning. The loading gate retains 80% thinning original blue finish and the bolt retains 99% original blue finish. The receiver and hammer retain 30% original case colors with the balance having a smooth silver gray. The lever shows strong original case colors in protected areas with a smooth mottled gray patina on the balance. The wood has been revarnished and remains fine with some crazing and a few minor dings and dents. The markings are clear. The action is excellent.