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LOT 21
Excellent Documented Antique Special Order Winchester Model 1886 Deluxe Lever Action Rifle with Specific Stock
Configuration and Factory Letter - Serial no. 20044, 40-82 WCF cal., 26 inch octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. 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. This is a stunning deluxe rifle with a factory letter stating the rifle was received in the warehouse on July 21, 1888 and shipped
on July 23 with an octagon barrel in .40-82 caliber, plain trigger with a 2 1/2 lb pull, fancy checkered stock that was 3/4 inches shorter than
standard length, forearm and grip thinner than standard, and blue frame and trims. A copy of the Winchester ledger for this rifle is included.
Deluxe Model 1886s are rare. These were “working guns,” and customers were not inclined to spend additional money for special features. As
noted in the factory letter, there are several rare special order features in addition the deluxe wood. The trigger pull was special ordered. The
stock is shorter than regular length and the forearm and grip is thinner than standard dimension. Models fitted with a non-standard stock
length like this example are a Winchester rarity. Renowned Winchester expert and author George Madis noted, “Special stocks, varying from
the standard in length or drop, would be custom made and fitted by the factory for the few customers who wanted them. The standard stock
was made to fit and be correct in all ways for the majority of people, and very few customers found it necessary to order a special stock” (“The
Winchester Book,” page 602). This rifle is chambered in the desirable .40-82 W.C.F. This caliber was introduced in 1885 for the Winchester Model
1885 single shot rifle also designed by Browning, and was available for the Model 1886 into the early 20th century, but was then discontinued.
The caliber was favored by elk and heavy game hunters, but rifles in this
caliber are seldom encountered due
to many being altered over the last
century to more available calibers. The
rifle is fitted with a period blade front
sight featuring a base marked “C.W.G.”,
an elevation adjustable rear sight, and a
Lyman folding tang peep sight. The top
barrel flat is marked with the two-line
Winchester address ahead of the rear
sight and the caliber designation “40-82
W.C.F.” at the breech. The lower tang has
the two-line patent dates marking as well
as the serial number. The factory special
order forearm and pistol grip stock are
highly figured XXX deluxe walnut. The
left side of the lower tang is marked “132”
and “XXX.” The assembly number “132” is
repeated on the stock inlet and buttplate.
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