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Among its fans in the period was Theodore Roosevelt, who used this model extensively, including testing samples for the famous Smithsonian– Roosevelt African Expedition, and the legendary Rough Rider leader also presented Model 1886s to his friends.
The Model 1886 was manufactured from 1886 to 1935, and the production total reached just under 160,000, but surviving examples in exceptionally high condition are rarely encountered. The ‘86 was a “working man’s gun” and thus surviving examples typically display all the character of hard
use. Roosevelt used one of his rifles so much that it was sent back to the factory multiple times for repairs. This rifle is in truly extraordinary, nearly unbelievable near new condition and has all the fantastic appearance of just coming off the production line, and has the desirable and stunning vivid color casehardened frame and furniture.
It provides a very rare glimpse at what a Model 1886 would have looked like fresh from the factory. It is certainly worthy of the finest public or private collection. Its condition is made even more extraordinary when you consider that the rifle was manufactured in 1886, the model’s introductory year. The accompanying factory letter indicates that the serial number was applied on November 30, 1886 and the rifle was received in the warehouse on December 6, 1886 and shipped on March 4, 1887. The factory letter
also confirms the octagon barrel in .45-90 caliber and plain trigger. The rifle is fitted with a dovetail blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line Winchester New Haven address ahead of the rear sight and “45-90 W.C.F.” at the breech. The upper tang is stamped “-MODEL 1886-.” The lower tang has the two-line patent dates marking and the first year serial number.
The forearm and straight grip stock are plain varnished walnut, and the stock is fitted with a crescent buttplate.
CONDITION: Near new as a well preserved time capsule from 1886. The Marshfield Find will be impossible to improve upon. Its phenomenal condition, its original shipping crate containing the original scabbard, boxes of ammunition and packing material, and its family curatorship make it a one-of-a-kind Winchester discovery well worthy of the finest public or private collection. This extraordinary Winchester Model 1886 will be talked about for decades to come!
Provenance: Reverend Henry W. Nelson, Jr. and his descendants.
Estimate: 150,000 - 275,000