Winchester 1887 12GA 18 1/8” Lever Action Shotgun, Antique

SOLD FOR; $1,550.00

LSB# LSB251005DH027

Make: Winchester Repeating Arms Co.

Model: 1887 

Serial Number: 10293

Year of Manufacture: 1888

Caliber: 12 Gauge

Capacity: 5+2

Action Type: Lever Action, Tubular Magazine Shotgun

Markings: The serial number “10293” 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.

Barrel Length: 18 1/8?

Choke: Cylinder, Fixed

Sights / Optics: The receiver has a shallow groove and the front sight was eliminated with the shortened 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 been refinished. There are scattered handling marks, dings, and dents throughout.  There is oil staining around the receiver.  The toe has been repaired.  There is bedding compound around the upper tang.  The buttstock is loose.  The LOP measures 12 3/4? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in Fair to Good condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blued 

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is gray. There is erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates a 6/10 for an antique.

Overall Condition:  This shotgun has been refinished. There are dings, scratches, and pitting under the blueing.  Some of the stamping and edges have been blurred and rounded from buffing. The action shows some operational wear.  The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fair to Good condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly, the lever moves smoothly, and the trigger trips the hammer. We have not test-fired this gun. 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 occupies a singular place in American firearms history as the first successful repeating shotgun design, conceived by John Moses Browning and adopted by Winchester in the late nineteenth century. Introduced at a time when lever actions dominated the sporting market, the 1887 translated familiar rifle handling into a shotgun format, quickly finding favor with hunters, lawmen, and stagecoach guards. Manufactured in 1888, this example reflects the earliest era of repeating shotgun development, when innovation and adaptation defined Winchester’s expansion beyond rifles.

Chambered in 12 gauge and configured with a shortened 18 1/8-inch barrel, this shotgun presents a compact and utilitarian profile that differs markedly from its original sporting configuration. The fixed cylinder choke and tubular magazine system are consistent with the Model 1887’s design intent, emphasizing rapid handling and close-range effectiveness. The absence of a front sight, combined with the receiver’s shallow sighting groove, underscores the shotgun’s role as a point-shooting arm rather than a precision instrument, particularly following the barrel modification.

This example has been refinished, with bluing applied over underlying pitting and wear, and some softening of edges and stampings evident from prior buffing. The bore is gray with scattered erosion and pitting, rating 6 out of 10 for an antique in this writer’s opinion. The walnut stocks have also been refinished and show scattered handling marks, oil staining near the receiver, a repaired toe, bedding compound at the upper tang, and some looseness at the buttstock, presenting in Fair to Good condition for an antique. Mechanically, the action functions correctly, with smooth lever movement and proper hammer engagement. Overall, this Winchester Model 1887 stands as an altered but historically significant survivor from the dawn of repeating shotgun design, offering tangible connection to one of Browning’s most unconventional and influential creations. Please see our high resolution photos and good luck on your bid!  MF