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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 classic Winchester Model 1886 rifle is
chambered in the popular cartridge:
.45-70 Government and remains
in stunning condition. It is a
high condition example that
will make a great addition to
any Winchester or lever action
collection. The factory letter
states the rifle was received in
the warehouse on July 13, 1895,
and shipped the same day on
order number 15367 with an
octagon barrel in .45-70 caliber
and plain trigger with sights
listed as “Lyman hunting front,
Lyman rear, Blank in rear slot,
Regular sights also.” The rifle
is fitted with a Lyman beaded
blade front sight, a ladder rear
sight graduated from 2 to 10, and
a folding tang peep sight. The
top barrel flat is marked with the two-line Winchester New Haven address
ahead of the rear sight and “45-70” at the breech. The lower tang has the patent dates marking as well as the serial number. The
receiver has the desirable casehardened finish with striking case colors. Mounted with plain walnut forearm and straight grip
stock. The buttstock is fitted with a crescent buttplate.
CONDITION: Excellent. The barrel and magazine tube retain 98% original blue finish with fading to plum on the balance. The
breech bolt retains 99% original blue finish. Traces of original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. The receiver retains 98%
vivid original case colors. The remaining surfaces retain 97% plus vivid original case colors overall. The wood is also excellent
with some very scattered minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. An extremely very high condition Winchester Model
1886 rifle in very desirable .45-70 caliber that will be a great addition to any lever action collection no matter how advanced.
Estimate: 55,000 - 85,000
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