Winchester Model 1886 26″ Octagonal .45-70 WCF Lever Rifle, 1889 Antique
SOLD FOR: $4,525
WOA#: WY240109GH002
Make: Winchester
Model: 1886
Year of Manufacture: 1889, Antique
Caliber: .45-70 WCF
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle
Serial Number: 35408
Barrel Length: 26”, Octagonal
Sights: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a semi-buckhorn v-notch sight with riser dovetailed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and steel crescent buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The wood is generally shy to the metal. The LOP measures 13″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has mostly gone to a patina with scattered wear and erosion. The compressions on the stock are dark with stain. There are some small chips on the upper edges of the forend. There are no cracks or repairs. The edges of the buttstock to the buttplate are a bit frayed at the bottom. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case-Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is scattered light erosion throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8.5 out of 10 for antique.
Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases, the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collectors’ firearms.
Overall Condition: The rifle retains approximately 10% of its metal finish. Finish remains only in well protected areas and around some raised features. Exposed surfaces have mostly gone to a patina with edges worn to white. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are some small dings on the barrel octogonal edges. There is some minor surface oxidation and infrequent erosion. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with useable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and smoothly. The lever locks up solidly. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box / Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The 1886 is another of John Browning’s industry-changing designs. It is our favorite Winchester here, certainly the strongest built at the time and function leads to beauty. The 1886 was available in a variety of cartridges over its nearly 40 years of production and, while there were standard configurations, there were also special-order features which led to a wide number of variations available to the collector today. This is a nice example of an 1886 made in 1889. The rifle is chambered for .45-70, one of the original three chamberings offered for the model, and has a 26″ octagonal barrel. The rifle shows honest wear for its age, but looks better than any of us will at over 130 years old! It still has strong mechanics and good markings. It will make a nice addition to a Winchester collection. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
