Winchester 1886 .45-90 WCF 26″ Octagon Lever Action Rifle 1889 Antique
SOLD FOR: $3,550.00
LSB#: LSB260130RL009
Make: Winchester
Model: 1886
Serial Number: 33425
Year of Manufacture: 1889 Antique
Caliber: .45-90 WCF
Action Type: Tubular Magazine Fed Lever Action Rifle
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “Manufactured by the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. New Haven Conn, USA/ 45-90”. The lower tang has patent dates and the serial number. The upper tang is marked “Model 1886”.
Barrel Length: 26″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Lyman beaded blade that is dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is a uniquely styled adjustable U notch that is dovetailed into the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is two piece smooth walnut, capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, with crescent steel buttplate. The LOP is 13″ from trigger to buttplate. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There is oil staining at the wrist. There is iron staining near the buttplate. There is light cracking and chipping at the toe. There is weathered finish loss. There are no structural cracks. Overall this stock is in Good condition
Type of Finish: Blued, Color Case
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright and the rifling is well defined. There is light erosion. There is scattered pitting from corrosion. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 50% of its original finish. There is thinning on the leading edges and high spots. There are scratches and light corrosion staining throughout. There is handling and operational wear. The color case is muted and corrosion stained. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Good condition for antique.
Mechanics: This rifle appears to function correctly. The lever lock-up is tight and the trigger is crisp. We did not fire this rifle. This rifle is fairly sticky with old oil. 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 1886, designed by John Browning, stands as one of the strongest and most respected lever-action rifles of the 19th century, built specifically to handle the large-caliber cartridges demanded by the frontier. Introduced in 1886, the rifle quickly gained favor for its robust locking system and smooth operation, offering a significant advancement over earlier Winchester designs. This 1889 production example, chambered in .45-90 WCF, represents the early years of the model’s run, when black powder cartridges dominated and power and reliability were paramount. The .45-90, an extension of the .45-70, provided increased velocity and range, making it well suited for large game and the wide-open landscapes of the American West.
This rifle retains approximately 50% of its original finish, showing honest wear with thinning on the high edges, scattered scratches, and areas of light corrosion staining. The color case hardening has softened and taken on a muted appearance, consistent with age and handling. The walnut stocks exhibit the expected signs of a working antique, including compression dents, oil staining at the wrist, iron staining near the buttplate, and light chipping at the toe. The finish has weathered over time, but the wood remains structurally sound, maintaining the rifle’s classic configuration with straight grip, capped forend, and crescent buttplate.
Mechanically, the rifle appears to function correctly, with tight lever lock-up and a crisp trigger, though it does show some stiffness from old oil consistent with long-term storage. The bore is semi-bright with well-defined rifling, showing light erosion and scattered pitting typical of black powder use, yet remaining serviceable. The 26-inch octagonal barrel and traditional sighting arrangement preserve the rifle’s period-correct profile, with the distinctive rear sight adding further character. This Model 1886 reflects the enduring legacy of Winchester’s big-frame lever actions, presenting as a well-preserved antique that carries the marks of its long working life. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF