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LOT 3019
Very Fine, Rare Winchester Model 1886 Deluxe Lever
Action Rifle in Highly Desirable Documented .50-110 Express Caliber
with Factory Letter - Serial no. 47747, 50 express cal., 26 inch octagon bbl.,
blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Offered here is a Winchester Model
1886 rifle chambered in highly desirable and factory documented .50-110
Express. The accompanying factory letter lists the serial number as applied on
July 29, 1890, and confirms the octagon barrel in .50-110 Express caliber and plain
trigger (no mention of the wood). The rifle was received in the warehouse on September 25, 1890
and shipped the same day. Although the deluxe checkered wood does not letter, the rifle likely returned to
the factory for the deluxe upgrade. The rifle is fitted with a dovetail blade front sight and four leaf express sight marked 1 through 4. The top barrel flat is
stamped with the two-line Winchester address ahead of the rear sight and “50-EX” at the breech. “-MODEL 1886-” is marked on the upper tang. The lower tang
has the patent dates and serial number. The checkered forearm and straight grip stock are deluxe walnut. Rifle lacks assembly numbers and deluxe walnut markings.
The buttstock is fitted with a blued steel shotgun buttplate. Released in 1893-1894, the .50 Express cartridge was one of the most powerful commercial cartridges available at
the time, being very comparable to the safari cartridges favored by European sportsman. Demand for the cartridge in the United States was low however, and relatively few of these
rifles were manufactured, making them extremely desirable pieces in today’s collector market!
CONDITION: Very fine. The barrel retains 85% plus original blue finish with a small area of touch up visible on the right side between forend cap and muzzle. 90% original blue
remains on the bolt. 70% original niter blue remains on the loading gate. The receiver, hammer and lever retain 80% vivid original case colors. The magazine tube and buttplate
appear to be an old refinish. The wood is very good overall with a small repair at the tang and showing an old period applied varnish finish. Mechanically excellent. Both an attractive
and solid representative Winchester Model 1886 in highly sought after .50-110 Express.
Estimate: 25,000 - 37,500
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