Winchester Model 1887 ’87 32″ Full 12 GA Lever Action Shotgun, 1888 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,025
WOA#: WY240311WOA011
Make: Winchester
Model: 1887
Serial Number: 13239
Year of Manufacture: 1888
Gauge: 12 Gauge
Action Type: Lever Action Tubular Magazine Fed Shotgun
Markings: The serial number is on the underside of the frame. The lower tang is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE / 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. The left-rear of the barrel is marked “WP” in oval (the earlier assembler’s mark, not the later monogram proof).
Barrel Length: 32?
Choke: Full, Fixed
Sights / Optics: There is a hole at the front of the barrel, but no bead is present. A metal mid-bead has been installed on 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 fairly evenly scattered nicks, dings, scrapes and scratches. The left forend panel has tool marks around its screw head. There are a couple of short, thin cracks at the rear of the top tang. There are no chips. 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 Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray. There is scattered erosion and pitting. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6 or 7 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 20% of its metal finish. Most remaining blue finish is on the magazine toward the front and on the barrel over the magazine. There is some other finish in well protected areas. Exposed portions of the receiver have some patches which 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 have gone to a moderate patina. There is a patch of residue on the barrel at the front bead-hole. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs, scratches and spots of surface oxidation. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about 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. It will need a new front bead, but once that is installed, 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
