Winchester Model 1886 .45/70 Lever Action Rifle, Set trigger, 1893 Antique

SOLD FOR: $2817

LSB#: 2301117JH005

Make: Winchester

Model: 1886

Serial Number: 81602

Year of Manufacture: 1893

Caliber: .45/70

Action Type: Lever Action Rifle

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “-MANUFACTURED BY THE- / -WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A.-” and at the receiver with “45-70”. The upper tang is marked “-MODEL 1886-”. The lower tang is marked -“PAT. OCT. 14.1884. / JAN. 20.1885”- and “81602”.

Barrel Length: 26”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is blade set into the front dovetail. The rear sight is flat top notch leaf sight, set into the rear dovetail.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are straight grain walnut, with a sling swivel added to the belly and a hole for a stud at the nosecap. The wood looks sanded and oiled long ago, but is still generally proud of the metal. The work was imperfect but is not obtrusive. There are many bruises, dings, marks and a couple of hairline cracks. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the crescent plate. The stocks rates in about Good overall condition as refinished.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Factory Original

Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is present but shallow. There is moderate erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion and for the age, the bore rates a 4 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 10% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows a general drift to gray, with traces of the original finish still in protected areas. The barrel has turned a nice brown, while the frame a more silver color from the muted case colors. The metal surfaces are quite good and there is little erosion. The screw heads are used but still usable. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions properly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: A Cody Letter is included confirming the following features:

Rifle

.45/70

Octagonal

Set Trigger

Shipped 12/19/1893

Our Assessment: Winchester’s first attempt at a lever action rifle capable of handling a rifle cartridge was the Model 1876, which was a heavier framed version of the Model 1873. However, the toggle-link action used in the gun was still limited to short cartridges like the .40-60 and .45-60 Win. The Model 1886 was made to handle longer cartridges like the .45-70 Govt., and the .45-90 Win. and .50-110 Win. cartridges.

The Model 1886 utilized a locked-bolt action that was much stronger than the M1876, and some think it is faster and smoother as well. The Winchester Model 1886 was touted as a lever action express model, capable of handling any of the North American game animals.

This rifle is chambered in .45/70, one of the most desirable of all calibers, and has seen no abuse during it’s life.

Good luck bidding!

Chris