Winchester Model 1887 10 Ga. 30″ Lever Action Shotgun MFD 1892-1898 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1250
LSB#: 210917MW67
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms Co.
Model: 1887
Serial Number: 8160
Year of Manufacture: 1892-1898
Caliber: 10 Gauge
Action Type: Lever Action, Tubular Magazine Shotgun
Markings: The serial number “8160” 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. DEC. 6. 1892”. The “WRAo” monogram logo is engraved on the left side of the receiver. The top-rear of the barrel is marked “10”, left-rear of the barrel is marked “WP” in oval (the earlier assembler’s mark, not the later monogram proof).
Barrel Length: 30″
Choke: Modified, Fixed
Sights / Optics: The receiver has a shallow groove and the front sight is a brass bead fixed 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. There is a little chip loss on the right side of the wrist at the frame. The stocks appear refinished. The stocks have scattered nicks, dings, scuffs, and scratches. There are a couple small termite holes on the buttstock. There are some areas of bubbled and uneven finish. There are areas of finish loss and thinning. The LOP measures 13″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has finish loss, patina, and some light erosion with well-defined checkering. 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 dark. There is scattered erosion and pitting in the bore.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 10% of its metal finish. There is mottled finish loss, patina, and discoloration from previous oxidation. There are some areas of erosion and scabbing, some of the most noticeable erosion is on the receiver and some of the most noticeable scabbing is on the barrel. There are some little nicks and scattered scratches, the most noticeable scratches are on the sides of the barrel at the front of the forend. There is some standard operational wear. There is stock finish on the bottom tang. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear. The most noticeable wear is on the bottom of the receiver at the serial marking, the serial number has been reapplied. Overall, this shotgun is in about Good-Very Good 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. The bore shows use with black powder, but 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!