Custom Engraved Winchester 1886 1/2 Octagon .38-56 Lever Rifle 1888 Antique
SOLD FOR: $4825
LSB#: 230914LM115
Make: Winchester
Model: 1886
Year of Manufacture: 1888
Caliber: .38-56 Winchester Center Fire
Action Type: Lever Action Tubular Magazine Fed Rifle
Serial Number: 20570
Barrel Length: 22″, Half-Round, Half-Octagonal
Sights: The front sight is a blade in a slotted base dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel; the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered select walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and case hardened steel crescent buttplate. The stocks have a few scattered light marks, mostly in the buttstock and most notable on the right behind the checkering. There a couple of spots of filled grain, but no chips or cracks. The checkering is well defined. The LOP measures 13″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some minor wear at the heel and toe, the engraving motif on the tang is crisp. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition as refinished and/or not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case-Color, Gold Trim
Finish Originality: Professionally Restored
Bore Condition: The bore is has been re-lined. The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered light pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 7 out of 10 as re-lined.
Overall Condition: The rifle retains approximately 98% of its current metal finish. There are only a few scattered minor marks and light operational wear. The case color is vibrant. The action shows minor operational wear, most notable on the locking blocks when the action is open. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, the engraving is notably more crisp than the original factory markings. Overall, this rifle is in Excellent condition as restored Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and smoothly. 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 example has been quite skillfully restored. It now sports a 22″ a half-round, half-octagonal barrel chambered for the .38-56 Winchester Center Fire cartridge, button magazine, beautiful checkered walnut stocks, blue and case hardened finish with some gold bands on the barrel at the front and rear. The receiver has gorgeous engraving which, per our consignor, was performed by Master Engraver Rudy Marek. Mr. Marek’s residing in Oregon does seem congruent, not only because this rifle came from a collection in Oregon but because of the name “Daryll L. Whitehead” engraved on the left shoulder of the barrel. Mr. Whitehead, we presume, would be the same Daryll L. Whitehead who was a celebrated maker of bespoke fly rods in Oregon, considered to be among the finest in his field. Whitehead rods are all hand made with the finest craftsmanship and are quite sought after among aficionados who appreciate the finer things in the life of a fly fisherman.
It should come as no surprise to find Whitehead’s name on a rifle which embodies the same aesthetic as his rods. This Winchester 1886 is quite functional with good balance, the finest materials, tasteful decoration, and a timeless quality that will endure longer than any sportsman who wields it. It will make a wonderful addition to a Winchester collection, especially with its connection to two Pacific Northwest luminaries in the world of quality outdoors accouterments. Please see our pictures and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
