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Winchester Model 1886 Takedown Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,700.00 USD Estimated At:3,250.00 - 4,750.00 USD
Winchester Model 1886 Takedown Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter
The included factory letter confirms the serial number, takedown rifle configuration, octagon barrel, and plain trigger, with the caliber listed as "55-70". The letter states that the rifle was received in the warehouse on August 15, 1894 and shipped on August 21, 1894. The included letter from the Buffalo Bill Historical Center states that the factory letter listing the caliber as "55-70" is an error in the records and there is no reference to any cartridge of this size. This takedown rifle is marked with the two line address, " -- MANUFACTURED BY THE -- / --WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. --" ahead of the rear sight and "45-70" at the breech. The upper tang is marked "- MODEL 1886 -" and the 1884 and 1885 patent dates and serial number are marked on the lower tang. This rifle features a German silver blade front sight and an adjustable folding leaf rear sight. Full magazine, all blue finish with casehardened lever, buttplate and hammer and mounted with a smooth semi deluxe grain walnut forearm with iron cap and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.
BBL: 26 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 45-70
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 88987


Fine. The barrel and magazine retain 40% of the original dark blue finish mixed with an artificial smooth brown patina. The takedown ring retains 50% original blue with the balance a smooth brown patina. The receiver retains 60% of the original thinning blue finish with wear on the high edges and areas of cold blue touch-up. The lever shows strong original case colors in protected areas with a smooth mottled gray patina on the balance. The buttplate shows some original case colors mixed with a smooth brown patina. The refinished wood is fine with most of the finish (thinning on the rear of the forearm) and showing a few scattered minor dents and dings. The markings are clear and crisp. The action is excellent.