Early Winchester Model 1887 32″ 10 GA Lever Action Shotgun, 1890 Antique

SOLD FOR: $1,026.00

LSB#: LSB250601SP109

Make: Winchester Repeating Arms Co.

Model: 1887

Serial Number: 28511

Year of Manufacture: 1890

Caliber: 10 Gauge, Black Powder

Action Type: Lever Action, Tubular Magazine Shotgun

Barrel Length: 32″

Choke: Cylinder Bore, Fixed

Sights / Optics: The receiver has a shallow groove and the front sight is a brass bead at 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 scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. The right of the buttstock has a series of straight scratches that appear intentionally applied. At the rear of the buttstock there is discoloration consistent with a previously installed slip-on pad (none present). There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 12 3/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The fit of the plate may indicate replacement. The plate has scattered wear and oxidation. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is gray. There is scattered erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 6 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 50% of its metal finish. Most remaining finish is in the barrel. The magazine has infrequent finish in protected areas or around raised features. The frame has mostly muted with some case color in protected areas. The magazine has a couple of shallow dents. There is scattered finish wear and light surface oxidation. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this shotgun. 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 10 gauge example was produced in 1890, right after the chambering was first added. 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!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud