Winchester Model 1886 26″ ERB Engraved .33 WCF Lever Action Rifle 1908
SOLD FOR: $4,000.00
LSB#: LSB250521RR015
Make: Winchester
Model: 1886
Year of Manufacture: April 30, 1908
Caliber: .33 Winchester Centerfire (WCF)
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle
Serial Number: 144636
Barrel Length: 24 Inches, Round.
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE -WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CONN. U.S.A. / 33 W.C.F.”, along with a proof mark. The left side of the barrel is marked “NICKEL STEEL ESPECIALLY FOR SMOKELESS POWDER”. The top tang is marked “MODEL 1886 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK”. The bottom tang is marked “PAT. OCT. 14, 1884 / JAN. 20, 1885 / 144636”. The grip cap is marked “WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO.” The left side of the receiver is engraved with “E.R.B.” (See Our Assessment).
Sights: The front sight is a Lyman beaded blade dovetailed to a ramp on the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a folding Lyman leaf sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece, high grade, original oil finish, checkered walnut with capped forend, semi-pistol grip, straight comb and steel checkered buttplate. There are moderate handling marks present. The stocks have scattered nicks, pressure dents, and minor scratches, mainly on the forend. The stocks fit the frame with no movement or play. The LOP measures 12 1/2 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks rate in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.5 out of 10.
Overall Condition: The rifle retains approximately 50% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows moderate wear with finish loss from handling, use, and storage. The finish is minor finish thinning, and minor scratches on all metal surfaces, and there is also some minor corrosion starting on the receiver, action, and barrel. The metal buttplate has some corrosion and pitting as well. The screw heads are sharp, and the pins are unmarred. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, but the action hangs up a bit while closing. The lever locks up solidly. The trigger is crisp. The half-cock safety functions as intended. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a certified letter from the Winchester Repeating Fire Arms/ Cody Firearms Museum verifying this specific rifle, along with a printed e-mail chain between past owners of this rifle, verifying its history.
Our Assessment: This is a fascinating Winchester Model 1886 chambered in .33 WCF, manufactured in 1908 and complete with both historical provenance and custom flair. Most notably, the receiver is engraved with the initials “E.R.B.” — an abbreviation historically associated with Earl Reed Bimson.
This E.R.B. Engraved Winchester 1886 was ordered from the Winchester factory for Earl Reed Bimson, who was the President of Valley Bank in Phoenix, Arizona from the 1960’s through 1972. Earl Bimson was the son of Walter Bimson, who was the President, and founder of Valley National Bank from the 1930’s through the 1950’s. This rifle is quite the unique piece of American, more specifically, Arizona history. The paperwork included with this rifle tells the amazing story of the entire 117 year history of this rifle, and how it has changed hands between just a couple of families.
Beyond its potential collector significance, this rifle stands on its own merits. The .33 Winchester Centerfire cartridge, introduced in 1902 and designed specifically for the 1886, represents Winchester’s attempt to modernize the platform for smokeless powder. It was a favorite among hunters seeking a flatter trajectory and deeper penetration than older black powder rounds. The factory-capped forend and semi-pistol grip stock suggest this may have been a special-order gun — especially given the finely checkered walnut and the quality of the steel. The presence of a Lyman front ramp and folding leaf rear sight adds to the rifle’s usability and accuracy.
Mechanically, this rifle is nearly sound, with only a slight hesitation in lever closure — likely due to accumulated fouling or a worn internal spring. The bore is superb for its age, the action remains tight, and the trigger is crisp. With approximately 50% original finish and a strong Cody Firearms Museum letter in hand, this 1886 offers exceptional value for the discerning Winchester collector or lever-action enthusiast looking to own a rare and storied piece of the American and Arizonan sporting tradition. Please view our high quality photos, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
