Winchester Model 1887 30″ I.C. 12 GA Lever Action Shotgun, MFD 1888 Antique
SOLD FOR: $2,175.00
LSB#: WY250415LSB007.1
Make: Winchester
Model: 1887
Serial Number: 12013
Year of Manufacture: 1888
Caliber: 12 Gauge
Action Type: Lever Action, Tubular Magazine Shotgun
Barrel Length: 30″
Choke: Improved Cylinder, Fixed
Sights / Optics: The receiver has a shallow groove and the front sight is a brass bead screwed to the front of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are walnut with a two-piece forend and one-piece buttstock with pistol grip, straight comb and checkered steel buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 12 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered moderate erosion with fairly well defined checkering. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good-plus condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blued & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. There are scattered spots of light erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8+/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 40% of its metal finish. There is scattered finish remaining on the barrel, mottled with areas gone to a light patina. There is more notable handling wear on the bottom of the magazine tube toward the rear. Much of the receiver’s case color has muted, but there is some good figuring still visible. The lever-loop and top tang show handling wear going to a light patina. There are scattered light nicks, scratches and spots of light surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Fine condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not test-fired this black-powder-era gun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1887 was the first truly successful repeating shotgun. Its unique lever-action design was chosen by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, and designed by the legendary designer, John Moses Browning to complement their popular lever-action rifles. The whole firearm itself is a remarkable engineering accomplishment. Originally chambered in 12 gauge only, this 2nd Year production model has strong mechanics and a nice bore, especially for a 137 year old gun which would have seen use almost exclusively with black powder. It has early features such as the single extractor, lug-secured magazine tube, and forend panels secured with a single screw. It retains original metal finish with a crisp WRACo monogram on the receiver. This will make a nice addition to the collection of any Winchester collector, of fine antique firearms, or aficionados of the American West. Please see our photos and good luck!
-Bud
