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LOT 7
Exceptional Documented Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Saddle
Ring Carbine in Scarce .40-65 WCF with Factory Letter - Serial no. 45545,
40-65 WCF cal., 22 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. The
Winchester Model 1886 was a rugged rifle designed by John Browning that
offered more firepower to the earlier Model 1876, but in a smaller, more robust
package. Thus, just as its predecessor, the Model 1886 quickly found popularity
among those on the frontier who needed as rifle as rugged as their lifestyle.
Offered here is a well cared for Model 1866 carbine in rare .40-65 WCF caliber
that will be a fine addition to any Winchester or lever action collection. The
accompanying factory letter states this carbine was received in the warehouse
on July 17, 1890, and shipped the same day and confirms the .40-65 caliber
chambering. According to John T. Madl in his Summer 2018 article in “The
Winchester Collector”, only 433 Model 1886 carbines manufactured in .40-65
WCF were listed in the available factory records. This is certainly a very
rare Model 1886! The carbine is fitted with a pinned blade front sight
and a folding ladder rear sight marked “1873” and graduated
to 900 yards. The top of the barrel has the two-line Winchester
ahead of the rear sight and “W.C.F./40-65” at the breech. The
upper tang is marked “-MODEL 1886-”. The lower tang has the
patent dates marking as well as the serial number. The left side
of the casehardened receiver is fitted with a saddle ring . It is
mounted in plain walnut forearm and straight grip stock with
casehardened carbine buttplate.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 85% original
blue finish with thinning to brown on
the balance and a series of scratches
on the rear barrel band. 40% of the
original nitre blue remain on the
loading gate. The receiver retains
60% original case colors with the brightest colors in the
protected areas. The hammer and lever retain 70% original case colors. The buttplate retains
90% original case colors with some pitting. The wood is also very fine with chip at the upper tang
and otherwise some very scattered minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. An attractive and
rare Winchester Model 1886 .40-65 WCF carbine that will look great in any lever action collection no
matter how advanced.
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000
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