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LOT 3002
Attractive Documented Antique
Special Order Winchester Deluxe
Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle with
Factory Letter - Serial no. 99351, 45-70
Government cal., 26 inch part octagon
bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut
stock. This is a stunning deluxe rifle was
manufactured in 1895. The powerful
Winchester Model 1886 remains one of
the most iconic lever action rifles. It was
the first lever action rifle designed by
John Moses Browning. Special order ‘86s remain especially
popular, and examples in high condition like this one are highly sought after. It will make for a standout piece
in any lever action collection. The accompanying factory letter states the rifle had a half octagon barrel in .45-70
caliber, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, Winchester express Lyman rear sight, shotgun hard rubber buttplate,
sling, and swivels when received in the warehouse on April 1, 1895 and shipped the same day to order number 9267.
The letter indicates the rifle was returned to the factory to receive a half magazine on May 3, 1895 on order number
11478. As Winchester expert and author George Madis noted, “Deluxe Model 86s in the rifles made after 1900 are
hard to find, partly due to the higher cost of deluxe features.” The buttstock is fitted with a modern Turnbull supplied
reproduction Winchester shotgun buttplate (invoice included). The rifle is fitted with a dovetail beaded blade front sight
and a three leaf express rear sight with platinum sighting lines. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line Winchester
legend ahead of the rear sight and “45-70” at the breech. The lower tang has the two-line patent dates marking as well as the
serial number. The eyelets mounted on the underside of the forend cap and buttstock hold sling swivels. The forearm and pistol
grip stock are highly figured XX deluxe walnut and feature factory “H” style checkering. The left side of the lower tang is marked with the
assembly number “536” along with “XX” and “RB”. “RB” stands for “rubber buttplate.” The matching assembly number “536” appears on the stock inlet. CONDITION: Very fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain 95% period refinished blue. 95% plus original blue remains on the bolt. 80% original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. The receiver retains 90% vivid original case colors with fading on the underside. The forend cap, hammer, and lever retain 95% plus original case colors. The metal surface have a coat of dried grease. The wood is also very fine with a repaired chip in the pistol grip, some scattered minor handling marks, and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A highly attractive representative example of a deluxe variation of Winchester’s legendary Model 1886 lever action rifle.
Provenance: The Collection of David L. DeLullo.
Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
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