Early Winchester Model 1887 32″ 10 GA Lever Action Shotgun, 1891 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,076.00
LSB#: LSB250601SP134
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms Co.
Model: 1887
Serial Number: 32442
Year of Manufacture: 1891
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 white bead at the front of the barrel. The bead is not original to the gun.
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 loss at the toe. There are small losses around the edges of the forend panels, mostly on the left. There are some scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. The LOP measures 13″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has moderate wear and oxidation. Overall, the stocks are in Good condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Most remaining finish is Original, some worn areas show treatment with cold blue.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray. There is scattered erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 5+ out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 5% of its metal finish. There is infrequent finish in protected areas or around raised features. Most surfaces have muted or gone to a light patina. There are some areas that show polishing and treatment with cold blue. There is some scattered light surface erosion and oxidation. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with usable slots. Receiver markings are clear, there are no legible markings on the barrel. Overall, this shotgun is in 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 1891, shortly after the chambering was first added. The bore shows use with black powder, but it functions beautifully 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
