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LOT 3005
Outstanding First Year Production Winchester Model 1887 Lever Action Shotgun - Serial no. 4828, 12 gauge, 30 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This is a stellar casehardened example of a first year production of Winchester’s first highly successful repeating shotgun: the Model 1887. A total of 64,855 were manufactured in 1887-
1901. Most prior shotguns were single or double barrel break actions. The Model 1887 held six shots and could be fired rapidly. It is no surprise that this fine arm was based on designs by John M. Browning given his long and productive relationship with Winchester. Production of this model began just two years after Browning sold his single shot design to Winchester. The Model 1887 built upon the solid reputation of Winchester’s lever action long guns that were already in widespread use throughout the country. Many Model 1887s replaced double barrel coach guns used by “shotgun messengers” employed by express companies and lawmen throughout the country. Cochise County Sheriff John Horton Slaughter is known to have been fond of these six shot repeaters. Manufactured in 1887, the first year of production.
LOT 3006
Highly Attractive Antique Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter - Serial no. 21786, 40-65 WCF cal., 26 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. The Winchester Model 1886 was a rugged rifle designed by John Browning that offered very similar firepower to the earlier Model 1876, but in a smaller, more robust package, all highly valued attributes in the American West that was still far from tamed. This example has the early casehardened receiver, which was only standard on the Model 1886 until 1902. The top barrel flat is marked with the two-line address in front of the rear sight and the caliber marking at the breech. The model designation is marked on the upper tang, and the two-line patent dates and serial number are on the lower tang. It is fitted with a dovetail blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight. The forearm and straight grip stock are plain walnut. The buttstock is fitted with a crescent buttplate. The accompanying factory letter confirms the octagon barrel in .40- 65 caliber and plain trigger as well as being received in the warehouse on August 25, 1888 and shipped on October 16, 1888. These “working guns” saw hard use and an generally encountered in rough shape. This example is in well above average condition and will make a highly attractive addition to any lever action collection.
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