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barrel in .45-70 caliber, set trigger, checkered pistol grip stock with 13 1/2 inch length of pull and 3 1/2 inch drop, and Lyman front and rear
sights when received in the warehouse on August 9, 1894, and shipped the same day. Models fitted with a non-standard stock length and drop like this example are a Winchester rarity. 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 deluxe ‘86 certainly has a number of special order features sought after by the modern collector.
a crescent buttplate. The left side of the lower tang is marked “399 XXX.” The assembly number “399” is repeated on the stock inlet. The number “238” is marked on the buttplate.
CONDITION: Fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain 40% original blue finish with a smooth brown patina on the balance. 95% original blue finish remains on the bolt. The frame also retains 40% original case colors with the most vivid colors appearing on the tangs. 60% original case colors remain on the hammer. 25% original case colors remain on the lever. Patterns of original case colors remain on the forend cap and buttplate. 20% original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. The forearm has a repaired chip on the left side; otherwise, the wood is fine a number of handling marks and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A sought after deluxe Winchester Model 1866 rifle made more desirable with a rare
non-standard factory documented stock.
"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."
- author George Madis
LOT 1030
Winchester Deluxe Model 1886 Lever Action .45-70 Rifle with Documented Special Order Stock Configuration and Factory Letter - Serial no. 90550, 45-70 cal., 26 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, highly figured checkered walnut stock. This Winchester Model 1886 is factory documented as a deluxe rifle in desirable .45-70 caliber with special order stock configuration. Deluxe Model 1886s are rare. As Winchester
expert and author George Madis noted, “Deluxe Model 86s in the rifles made after 1900 are hard to find, partly due to the higher cost of deluxe features.” The accompanying factory letter lists this rifle with an octagon
The top barrel flat is stamped
with the two-line Winchester
address marking ahead of
the rear sight and “45-70” at the
breech. The rifle is fitted with a dovetail
beaded blade front sight and a folding ladder
rear sight graduated from 2-10 and marked “1873.” The action is fitted with a
set trigger. The upper tang is marked “-MODEL 1886-.” The lower tang has the serial
number and patent dates marking. The “XXX” deluxe walnut forearm and pistol grip stock feature “H” style checkering, the pistol grip has an ebony insert, and the buttstock is fitted with
Provenance: The Tom Selleck Collection.
Estimate: 10,000 - 15,000
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