Winchester 1886 .40-65 WCF 26″ Octagon Lever Action Rifle 1889 Antique
SOLD FOR: $ 4,025.00
LSB#: LSB260418WS002
Make: Winchester
Model: 1886
Serial Number: 36808
Year of Manufacture: Serial Number Applied 1889 Per Winchester Collectors Database, Warehouse received 1898, Shipped 1891 Per Cody Firearms Museum Letter.
Caliber: .40-65 WCF
Action Type: Tubular Magazine Fed Lever Action Rifle
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “40-65 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 has been changed, it is a Marbles beaded blade. The rear sight was removed and plugged by the factory. There is a Lyman 1A tang sight mounted on this rifle from the factory per letter.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is two piece smooth walnut, capped forend, semi pistol grip, straight comb, and steel shotgun buttplate. The assembly marks on the tang and buttstock match. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. The upper right side of the wrist is chipped. There is some oil darkening around the wrist. There are no structural cracks. Overall this stock is in Good to Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling is distinct. There is erosion and pitting throughout. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 15% of its original finish. The majority of the metal has worn to brown patina with corrosion staining. The color case is muted and only shows color in the protected areas. There are scratches and nicks scattered throughout. There is handling and operational wear. The screw heads are tooled but serviceable. 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. The set trigger is out of adjustment and does not currently function. 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: Cody Firearms Museum Letter. All specifications match that we see with the exception of the front sight.
Our Assessment: This Winchester Model 1886 is a highly interesting antique lever-action rifle chambered in .40-65 W.C.F., with factory documentation from the Cody Firearms Museum. The serial number was applied in 1889, with the letter noting warehouse and shipping information, adding valuable provenance and collector context. Its 26″ octagon barrel, tubular magazine, semi-pistol grip walnut stock, capped forend, steel shotgun buttplate, and factory Lyman 1A tang sight give it a very desirable sporting rifle configuration. The factory-removed and plugged rear sight dovetail is an important letter-confirmed feature, while the Marbles beaded front sight is the primary noted deviation from the factory specifications.
Condition is Good overall for an antique rifle, with about 15% of the original finish remaining. Most of the metal has aged to a brown patina with corrosion staining, scattered scratches, nicks, handling wear, and operational wear. The case colors are muted, with color remaining mainly in protected areas, but the markings are clear and the tooled screw heads remain serviceable. The smooth walnut stocks remain in Good to Very Good condition, with matching assembly marks on the tang and buttstock, scattered scratches and compression dents, oil darkening around the wrist, and a chip at the upper right side of the wrist. There are no structural cracks, which is a positive note for a rifle of this age.
The bore is gray with distinct rifling, though erosion and pitting are present throughout, rating 7/10 in this writer’s opinion. Mechanically, the rifle appears to function correctly, with tight lever lock-up and a crisp trigger, though the set trigger is currently out of adjustment and does not function. The rifle has not been test fired, and a thorough cleaning and inspection would be prudent before use, particularly given the antique status and bore condition. Overall, this is a desirable and well-documented Winchester 1886 in .40-65 W.C.F., offering strong collector appeal from its factory tang sight, octagon barrel, matching stock assembly marks, Cody letter, and honest antique character, with the front sight replacement, worn finish, bore wear, and non-functioning set trigger being the main condition limitations. Please see our photos and good luck on your bids! MF