Winchester Model 1887 12 Gauge 32″ Lever Action Shotgun 1893 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,575.00
LSB#: LSB260602CL037
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms Co.
Model: 1887
Serial Number: 51121
Year of Manufacture: 1893 / Antique
Caliber: 12 Gauge, 2 5/8″ chamber
Capacity: 5+1
Action Type: Lever Action, Tubular Magazine Shotgun
Markings: The serial number “51121” is marked on the underside of the receiver; the lower tang is stamped, “MANUFACTURED BY THE / WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / -NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A.- / PAT. FEB. 16, & JULY 20, 1886.” The “WRAo” monogram logo is engraved on the left side of the receiver.
Barrel Length: 32″
Choke: Fixed: Full
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass bead drilled and tapped into the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a shallow groove on the front of the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The refinished stocks are walnut with a two-piece forend and one-piece buttstock with semi pistol grip and checkered steel buttplate. The LOP is 12.75″ from trigger to buttplate. The stocks have been refinished. There is a vertical one inch surface crack in the right forestock about 2 inches forward of the chamber. There is a longitudinal 3″ dragline from the heel. Overall this stock is in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued with case colored receiver
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark. There are small areas of corrosion staining and scratches through the bore. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates a 6/10 for an antique.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 10% of its current finish. Most of the barrel has gone to a brown patina. The receiver is covered in tiny corrosion pitting. There are a few small areas on the barrel and tangs where varnish from the stock refinish remains. There is a single recent (bright) 1/2″ scratch on the barrel leading down into the surface crack mentioned above. There are a few small dings at the end of the muzzle. The screw heads vary from lightly to heavily tooled but all appear serviceable. Small areas of the original case hardening remain visible on the lever action. The markings are faint but clear. Overall this shotgun is in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, the lever moves smoothly, and the trigger trips the hammer. We have not test-fired this gun. 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 1887 is an antique 12 gauge lever-action shotgun manufactured in 1893, chambered for the early 2 5/8″ shell. As a John Browning-designed Winchester, the Model 1887 remains a distinctive and collectible platform, and this example retains its core identifying features: tubular magazine, lever action, checkered steel buttplate, Winchester lower tang markings, visible serial number, and the “WRAo” monogram on the left side of the receiver. The 32″ barrel with fixed Full choke gives it a long weapon, long range configuration that must have been a formidable waterfowling tool.
Condition is somewhat mixed. The shotgun retains about 10% of its original finish. The markings are distinct and legible. The screw heads are tooled but serviceable. The stocks have also been refinished, with small areas of varnish remaining on the barrel and tangs. Positively, there are no structural cracks, and the wood rates Very Good overall.
Mechanically, this Model 1887 is described as functioning correctly, with smooth lever operation and proper hammer release. However, the bore is a significant limitation: it is dark, with spots of corrosion, and scratching, rating 6/10 for an antique. This shotgun should be inspected by a qualified gunsmith before any firing is considered, and only appropriate low-pressure ammunition should ever be evaluated for use.
Overall, this is a historically appealing Winchester 1887 with antique status, functional mechanics, and a visually improved refinish. Please see our photos and good luck on your bids! C.B.