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This lot showcases serial number 116728, and the rifle’s mate (no. 116729) is featured in
the following lot. Both rifles feature identical factory embellishments, several sought after and rare
special order features, and nearly identical shipping records. As verified in the respective factory
letters, these two rifles were received in the warehouse on April 25, 1898, shipped on April 27, 1898,
on order number 6312, and returned to the factory on April 24, 1899, for repair. This rifle (no. 116728)
has an additional repair and return date: October 4, 1899, on order number 38730. (Writer believes this
is due to barrel replacement. Both barrel address and “nickel steel” markings differ from the other rifle serial
no. 116729. Return dates are common in Winchester collecting, and everything done on this rifle from when it first left the
factory to its current configuration was certainly done at the Winchester factory.) These two rifles were built to fulfill a grand
special order, and certainly make for a standout pair of Winchester Model 1886s. The factory letter goes on to list the features of no.
116728: 26 inch half octagon barrel in .45-70 caliber, extra light configuration, plain trigger, fancy pistol grip stock, Lyman front and rear sights, Winchester Express rear sight,
half magazine, Silvers recoil pad, factory style no. 9 engraving with vignettes 1 and 3 at an additional cost of $4.00, nickel steel and matted barrel, length of stock 13 1⁄2 inches, drop at heel 3 1/8 inches, and style “E” stock carving. This is a very impressive list of special order features.
The Winchester style no. 9 engraving covers both sides of the receiver with scrollwork and borders. The vignette on the left side is a grizzly bear scene, and the vignette on the right side is an elk scene. The
quality of the work is consistent with engravings performed by the Ulrich family. Light scrollwork and borders extend to the forend cap, top and bottom of the receiver, and upper tang. Factory matted Winchester
barrels are rare. According to noted Winchester expert and author George Madis, “Matted barrels were produced in very limited numbers. Early matting was applied by hand in some cases.” The matting on this Model 1886 is the later style wavy lines and cover the entire top portion of the barrel. To accommodate the matting the barrel markings are stamped on the upper left flat. These markings are the two-line New Haven address, “NICKEL STEEL,” and “45- 70.” The .45-70 Government was a popular cartridge, and John Moses Browning’s designed Model 1886 was the first Winchester repeater capable of chambering the .45-70. The lower tang carries the two-line patent dates marking and the serial number. The front sight is a beaded blade. The rear sight is similar in design to the beloved Winchester elevation adjustable sight but bisected with a white outlined
peep sight. Sling eyelets are mounted on the underside of the forend cap and stock. The highly figured forearm and pistol grip stock feature Winchester style “E” checkering. In the
Winchester “Highly Finished Arms” catalog this style of checkering was an additional $12.50. The buttstock also has a hard rubber Winchester grip cap and is fitted with a solid recoil
pad. The left side of the lower tang is stamped “673 XX.” The assembly number “673” is repeated on the stock inlet, with the assembly number in the following lot being consecutive.
As confirmed by the factory letter, the stock was made to specific length and drop. Again we turn to Madis for insight on the rarity of this feature: “Special stocks, varying from the
standard in length or drop, would be custom made and fitted by the factory for the few customers who wanted them. The standard stock was made to fit and be correct in all ways
for the majority of people, and very few customers found it necessary to order a special stock” (page 602).
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine. The barrel retains 80% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance with a few scattered small patches of pitting. 90% original blue finish remains on the bolt. 70% original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. The receiver retains 30% original case colors with the strongest colors in the protected areas. The hammer retains 95% original case colors. 30% original case colors remain on the lever, and patterns of original case colors remain on the forend cap. The engraving is crisp. The wood is fine with minor dings and scratches and some wear in the overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Do not miss your opportunity to acquire a rare special order factory engraved Winchester deluxe Model 1886 extra lightweight rifle that is consecutively serialized to the next lot. This is a crown jewel in Winchester collecting.
Estimate: 50,000 - 75,000
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