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LOT 3015
Very Fine and Rare Antique Winchester 10 Gauge Model 1887 Lever Action Shotgun with Highly Desirable 20 Inch Barrel -
Serial no. 55628, 10 gauge, 20 inch round
bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1894, this exceptionally scarce Winchester Model 1887 “riot” shotgun was produced when much of the American Western Frontier remained wild. It is often Winchester’s lever action rifles and Colt’s Single Action Army revolvers that get the glory as “the guns that won the west”, but when it comes to a close range gun to depend on for self defense, there is not much better than a trusty shotgun. These shorter “riot” shotguns, as we know them as today, were very popular among the various express companies moving freight, mail, and people all over the frontier, including American Express Co. and Wells Fargo & Company.
Many guns in this configuration are seen
with markings added by these large express
companies, however the American West saw a
plethora of smaller and lesser known express companies throughout the Frontier
period which may or may not have marked their guns. These compact guns were preferred by
express carriage drivers due to their extensive close range firepower in a small package, which
made them equally as desirable for lawmen, settlers, and outlaws. This example has the standard four-line
Winchester address and patent dates marked on the lower tang. The iconic Winchester Repeating Arms Co. monogram is
marked on the left of the receiver and the serial number is marked on the bottom. The gauge marking is on top of the barrel
at the breech, there is “WP” in an oval on the upper left, and it is fitted with a single brass bead sight at the muzzle. It is mounted
with a smooth forearm made up of two slabs and a smooth pistol grip stock with a checkered steel buttplate. The length of pull is 12
7/8 inches and the choke is measures at cylinder.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 40% of the original blue finish with some mild thinning on the barrel and magazine, more concentrated towards the middle, potentially from being holstered in a scabbard or boot. 75% plus of the vibrant original case colors remain with the balance having thinned to a smooth grey patina. The wood is very fine with some light dings and scratches scattered throughout. Mechanically excellent. This exceptionally scarce Winchester Model 1887 with a 20 inch barrel is packed full of Wild West flair and would make an incredible addition to your collection!
Estimate: 15,000 - 25,000
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