Winchester Model 1887 ’87 12 Ga 30″ Lever Action Shotgun, MFD 1896 Antique

SOLD FOR: $1026

LSB#: 211117BD01

Make: Winchester

Model: 1887

Serial Number: 61237

Year of Manufacture: 1896

Gauge: 12 Gauge Black Powder, 2 3/4” Shells

Action Type: Lever Action Shotgun

Markings: The serial number is on the underside of the frame. The top of the barrel is marked “-MANUFACTURED BY THE- / -WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW. HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A.-”. The lower tang is marked “WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / -NEW HAVEN CONN. U.S.A.- / PAT. FEB. 16 & JULY 20. 1886”. The left side of the receiver is marked with a Winchester Repeating Arms logo.

Barrel Length: 30″

Choke: Improved Cylinder, Fixed

Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead screwed into the front of the barrel.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are smooth walnut with a round-bottom pistol grip, checkered steel butt plate and a two piece forearm. There is a small chip at the heel. There are several scattered gashes, nicks, scratches, compressions, and draglines. There is also weathering on the sides of the buttstock with open grains of wood. There is notable finish loss on the sides of the forearms. There is a notable gash on the top left edge of the forearm. The LOP measures 12 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the butt plate. The plate has heavy erosion throughout and the checkering is defined. The stocks rate in about Good overall condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is gray with scattered light erosion and some scabbing nearer the muzzle.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 5% of its current metal finish. There is some blue remaining in protected areas of the lever and the portion of the lifter on the bottom of the receiver. The majority of the metal surfaces have turned a dark or mottled patina with erosion. There are several nicks, dings, and small impact marks throughout the metal. There is some pitting around the muzzle. There is scabbing on the lower tang. The leading edges have completely thinned. The screw head slots are serviceable. The markings are legible, the lower tang markings and serial number are difficult to make out due to erosion. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fair-Good condition as Antique.

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

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: The Model 1887 was one of the first successful repeating shotguns. Its lever-action design was chosen at the behest of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, best known at the time as manufacturers of lever-action rifles such as the Winchester Model 1873. Designer John Browning suggested that a pump-action would be much more appropriate for a repeating shotgun, but Winchester management’s position was that, at the time, the company was known as a “lever-action firearm company”, and felt that their new shotgun must also be a lever-action for reasons of brand recognition. Browning responded by designing a breech-loading, rolling block lever-action. This shotgun shows its age, yet the action on this shotgun is exceptional and the markings are all still legible. Please see our photos and good luck!