Winchester Model 1887 ’87 28″ 12 GA Lever Action Shotgun, MFD 1890 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1325
LSB#: 210713ME05
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms Co.
Model: 1887
Serial Number: 26763
Year of Manufacture: 1890
Caliber: 12 Gauge
Action Type: Lever Action, Tubular Magazine Shotgun
Markings: The serial number “26763” is marked on the underside of the receiver; the lower tang is stamped, “MANUFACTURED BY THE / WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / -NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A.- / PAT. FEB. 16, & JULY 20, 1886.” The “WRACo” monogram logo is engraved on the left side of the receiver. The left-rear of the barrel is marked “WP” in oval (the earlier assembler’s mark, not the later monogram proof).
Barrel Length: The barrel has been cut to 28″.
Choke: Cylinder Bore, Fixed
Sights / Optics: The receiver has a shallow groove and the front sight is a brass bead screwed to the front of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are walnut with a two-piece forend and one-piece buttstock with pistol grip and checkered steel buttplate. The stocks have nicks, scuffs and scratches scattered throughout. There is a chip-loss at the bottom-front of the right portion of the forend. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 12 7/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered wear, surface oxidation, and infrequent erosion with well defined checkering. Overall, the stocks are in about Good-Very Good condition as refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray. There is scattered light erosion and infrequent minor pitting in the bore.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 75% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is handling wear on the bottom of the magazine tube under the forend. The barrel has scattered nicks, scuffs, scratches and light finish wear. The receiver’s case color has some figuring visible on the left flat, but has otherwise mostly muted. There is some scattered minor oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, the lever moves smoothly, and the trigger trips the hammer. We have not fired this shotgun, it should be inspected by a qualified gunsmith prior to continued use. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1887 was the first truly successful repeating shotgun. Its unique lever-action design was chosen by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, and designed by the legendary designer, John Moses Browning to complement their popular lever-action rifles. The whole firearm itself is a remarkable engineering accomplishment. Originally chambered in 12 gauge only, 10 gauge was added in 1889. This 12 gauge example was produced in 1890, near the middle of production. The bore is pretty good, especially for a gun which would likely have seen use exclusively with black powder, it functions beautifully, looks great, and is a genuine artifact of the American West. This will make a fine addition to the collection of any Winchester or fine antique firearms collector, or aficionados of the American West. Please see our photos and good luck!