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LOT 1014
Extremely Scarce, One of One, Documented Antique Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle in Extremely Rare .40-95 Winchester Express with Factory Letter - Serial no. 26582, 40 Express cal., 26 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1888, this is an exceptionally fine, extremely rare, documented example of a Winchester Model 1886 rifle chambered in .40-95 Winchester Express. The Model 1886 was the first lever action repeating design by the legendary American arms designer John Moses Browning and marked the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship between him and Winchester. As the spiritual successor to the Model 1876, these rifles were meant to be an improvement on the 1876 in both strength and reliability, while also being chambered in even more powerful calibers. They were highly prized in the American West for their stunning firepower and rugged dependability, especially in express calibers, which were more than capable of stopping even the most dangerous North American game. Despite being highly prized, the express calibers remained rare, with even the most popular .50-100-450 Express having a production total
of only 234. The included factory letter listed the rifle in .40-95 caliber with the additional notation “(as per record)” with an octagon barrel and plain trigger when received at the warehouse on 12 November 1888 and shipped on 19 November 1888 in
order number 15431. The letter also lists are return and repair date of 16 March 1891 with an order number of 1814. A scanned copy of the original ledger entry for the rifle is also included. William L. Porter’s survey of existing Model 1886 records shows only one gun listed in .40-95, making this a true “one of one”. Another Model 1886 is listed in .40 Express, but the difference between the two cartridges is unclear. The .40 Express listed may refer to either a rifle in a .40-100 or .40-110 cartridge. A copy of
a portion of this survey data is included. It is likely that this rifle was specially ordered by a discerning customer who knew exactly what they wanted and were very capable of loading their own ammunition. Due to their rugged and powerful nature, these rifles often saw hard use on the Western Frontier as working
guns, making exceptionally fine examples like this one even more scarce. The top flat of the barrel is marked with the standard two- line address as well as the “40 EX” caliber marking at the breech. The upper tang has the standard model marking, and the lower tang is marked with the two-line patent date marking and the serial number. It is fitted with a set of “sporting” sights which include a German silver blade front and an elevation adjustable buckhorn rear. It has the very attractive casehardened receiver, which was standard only on Model 1886 rifles manufactured prior to 1902. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.