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LOT 46
Attractive Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1886 Lever Action Takedown Rifle in .45-90 W.C.F. with
Scarce Documented Extra Barrel Set in .38-56 W.C.F. and Factory Letter - Serial no. 144296, 45-90 WCF cal., 26 inch
round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1908, this is a solid example of Winchester deluxe Model 1886 rifle in
the extremely desirable .45-90 W.C.F. with a very scarce factory special ordered extra barrel set. The true rarity of these factory
ordered extra barrel sets remains considerably undocumented, however, knowledgeable collectors know that it is one of the
more rarely seen special order features on any of Winchester’s lever action models. The Model 1886 was the first lever action
design by John Moses Browning and was also Winchester’s first lever action capable of handling extremely powerful period
cartridges such as the .45-70 Government or .45-90 W.C.F. like this example is chambered in. Prior to the 1886 and its vertical
locking lug design, Winchester’s repeaters had been based on a toggle-link design carried over from the legendary Henry rifle
that, while popular, was not nearly strong enough to handle such robust cartridges. Due to their power and rugged dependability,
these ‘86s found widespread popularity well into the 20th century, particularly in the American West where the game was large and
the dangers were many. The included factory letter lists this rifle in .45-90 caliber with a round barrel, plain trigger, Marbles improved
gold bead 1/16 in. front sight, takedown and a checkered pistol grip stock. Additionally it lists an interchangeable 26 inch round barrel
in .38-56 caliber with a fancy checkered forearm and also fitted with a Marbles improved gold bead 1/16 in. front sight. It lists the rifle as
received in the warehouse on 28 August 1908, and shipped on 31 August 1908 in order number 163972. The barrel is marked with the
standard two-line address, additional patent date, and the caliber marking at the breech.
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