(A) EXCEPTIONAL 18" FACTORY WINCHESTER 1887 10 GAUGE LEVER ACTION RIOT SHOTGUN

The serial number was applied to this magnificent shotgun on May 12, 1896. It was received in the warehouse with rare cylinder choked 18" barrel and 10 gauge chambering on July 6, shipping out the same day. Although traditionally offered with sporting length barrels, the 1887 could be ordered with shorter length barrels for law enforcement, guards, etc. Until 1897, when the riot gun was standardized at 20", most of these guard guns were made with 22" barrels. This seldom seen factory 18" barrel is about as short as it could be ordered, extending just 1 - 1/2" beyond the magazine tube retaining band. It is finished in blue with a brass bead front sight and "10" gauge marking stamped towards the breech. The Browning designed lever action is beautifully case colored, featuring the script "WRACO" monograms on each side. Lower tang has 4-line Winchester and patent legend. 2-piece smooth walnut forend. Round-knob walnut stock with pistol grip and checkered steel buttplate. PROVENANCE: Robert Howard Collection. CONDITION: Excellent for its age. Barrel and magazine tube retain the majority of their factory blue, the barrel largely drifting to a plum brown. Receiver displays the vast majority of its bright case colors with some fading towards the front left side, high edges, and other working surfaces. Even the breech face retains nearly all of its bright case colors with only faint evidence of being fired. Stocks retain most of their original varnish with some mild wear and scattered nicks. Bore is bright with a few areas of abrasion towards the breech. Fine mechanics. A truly spectacular, exceptionally rare Winchester in fabulous condition. This could very well be the finest surviving 18" 1887 guard gun extant.

Name

Value

Barrel Length

18"

Chamber

Cylinder

FFL Status

Antique

Gauge

10 Gauge

Manufacturer

Winchester