Winchester ~ 1886 ~ .45-90 WCF

Description:
This Winchester model 1886 lever-action rifle is chambered in .45-90 Winchester. Manufactured in 1896, this is a fine example of the Winchester Model 1886 chambered in the venerable .45-90 W.C.F. that is documented as displayed at the New York Exhibition in 1897. 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. 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 the rifle in .45-90 caliber with an octagon barrel, plain trigger, and in takedown configuration when received at the warehouse on 15 February 1897. It then lists "NY Ex 97", again received in the warehouse on 14 April 1897, and finally shipped on 10 June 1897 in order no. 9504. The writer has concluded that "NY Ex 97" notation in the factory ledger references the American Institute Fair, which was held annually in New York City from 1829 to 1897 and has been considered the first world's fair in the U.S. A period publication referred to the American Institute Fair as an "important gathering of the inventors and manufacturers of America." In the late nineteenth century, Winchester certainly met the criteria to be among America's top innovators displaying to the public "the finest products of agriculture and manufacturing." For 40 days in 1897, the American Institute Fair was held at Madison Square Garden. The receiver on this rifle is blued, which was standard on the Model 1886 when in takedown configuration. The top barrel flat has the standard two-line address and caliber marking at the breech. The model marking is on the upper tang, while the two-line patent dates and serial number are on the lower tang. The rifle is fitted with a set of "Sporting" sights, including a German silver No. 21 blade front sight and an elevation adjustable No. 24 notch rear sight. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate. Overall Fine condition, retains 70% plus of the original blue finish, 50% plus of the original case colors, mostly on the lever, and 40% of the original nitre blue on the loading gate with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina, patch of moderate pitting on the right forward portion of the barrel and magazine tube, and some scattered minor scratches. Two non-factory filler screws are installed on the upper left rear of the frame. The wood is also fine with scattered minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. .45-90 WCF

Curio/Relic: Yes
Antique: Yes
Chambers: N/A
Metal Condition: Very good with minor wear and handling marks
Wood Condition: Very good with minor wear and handling marks
Barrels: N/A
Triggers: Standard
Stock Dimensions:
14" LoP
Fore End: Smooth walnut
Butt Pad: Metal
Sights: Bladed front sight/adjustable mid-barrel sight
Chokes: N/A
Item Location: Fort Worth, TX

Price: $7,999.99