Winchester Model 1887 ’87 32″ Full 12 GA Lever Action Shotgun, 1888 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,225.00
LSB#: LSB250727DW014
Make: Winchester
Model: 1887
Serial Number: 21757
Year of Manufacture: 1888
Gauge: 12 Gauge
Action Type: Lever Action Tubular Magazine Fed Shotgun
Barrel Length: 32″
Choke: Full, Fixed
Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead at the front of the barrel. The top-front of the receiver is grooved for a sighting plane.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are smooth walnut with a round-bottom pistol grip, checkered steel butt plate and a two piece forearm. The stocks have scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with a few more notable dings. There is a repaired chip-loss at the toe. There is a line on the buttstock behind which the finish shows light wear from a previously installed slip-on cover. The LOP measures 12 7/8” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the butt plate. The plate has mostly worn to white or gone to a light patina with scattered spots of solid erosion and well defined checkering. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as repaired Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray. There is scattered light erosion and pitting. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6+ out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 30% of its metal finish. Most remaining blue finish is on the magazine toward the front and on the barrel toward the muzzle-end. There is some other finish in protected areas. Most exposed portions of the receiver appear to be nickel, typical of Winchester case hardening at this age. There is some strong case color on portions of the breech-block assembly that are concealed when the action is closed. Most other surfaces show wear or have gone to a light patina. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs, scratches and spots of surface oxidation. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Very 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. The action on this shotgun is exceptional and the markings are all still clearly visible. This will make a great addition to your Winchester or early repeating shotgun collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
