Winchester 1886 .38-56 WCF 26″ Octagon Lever Action Rifle 1889 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,725.00
LSB#: LSB260505JM003
Make: Winchester
Model: 1886
Serial Number: 33686
Year of Manufacture: 1889
Caliber: .38-56 WCF
Action Type: Tubular Magazine Fed Lever Action Rifle
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “38-56 WCF/ Manufactured by the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. New Haven Conn, USA”. 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 silver blade dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is a spring leaf V notch with elevator dovetailed into the barrel. The upper tang is drilled and tapped for a peep sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is two piece smooth walnut, capped forend, semi pistol grip, straight comb, and steel crescent rifle buttplate. The LOP is 13″ from trigger to buttplate. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There is some oil darkening throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this stock is in Good condition for antique.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling is distinct. There is moderate erosion and pitting throughout. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains virtually none of its original finish. The rifle has been scrubbed and cleaned somewhat. Some of the edges have been softened somewhat. There are scratches and corrosion stains throughout. There is some minor pitting throughout. The screw heads are tooled but serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Fair to 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. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This Winchester Model 1886, manufactured in 1889 and chambered in .38-56 WCF, is a desirable antique lever-action rifle with strong early Winchester appeal. The 26″ octagon barrel, tubular magazine, crescent rifle buttplate, upper tang Model 1886 marking, and lower tang patent and serial markings all support its classic late-19th-century configuration. The .38-56 WCF chambering adds interest as one of the black-powder-era cartridges associated with the Model 1886, and the semi-pistol-grip walnut stock gives the rifle added visual character.
Condition is the main limiting factor. The rifle retains virtually none of its original blued finish and has been scrubbed or cleaned, softening some edges and reducing collector originality. There are scratches and corrosion staining throughout, and the screw heads are tooled but serviceable. The markings remain clear, which is an important positive, and the rifle still presents as a recognizable and complete antique Winchester despite its worn finish. The bore is gray with distinct rifling, but moderate erosion and pitting throughout bring it to a 6/10 rating in the writer’s opinion.
The walnut stock is in Good condition for an antique, showing scratches, compression dents, and oil darkening, but no chips or cracks. Mechanically, the rifle appears to function correctly, with tight lever lock-up and a crisp trigger, though it has not been test fired. The upper tang is drilled and tapped for a peep sight, adding potential sighting utility, though no peep sight is included. Overall, this is a historically appealing but well-worn 1889 Winchester 1886 in .38-56 WCF, best viewed as an antique collector or display piece with functional promise, with value moderated by finish loss, cleaning/scrubbing, softened edges, bore wear, and general antique condition. Please see our photos and good luck on your bids! MF