September 20th 2015 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/19/2015
Features a 20" barrel in .33 WCF. This rifle was shipped on March 30th, 1907. It is a high condition deluxe Model 1886 takedown rifle that is most likely unique in its special order features. Factory research lists as follows: Barrel: 20"; Caliber: .33; Stock: checkered stock, pistol grip, Magazine: five cartridge; Butt: shotgun butt rubber. Sights are not mentioned in the letter but is equipped with the base and white bead front, original Winchester two leaf folding rear sight with no wear from any other type of sight being applied. Has a strong as new barrel legend, takedown frame, magazine is not listed except as 5 shot and is a 2/3" magazine that begins 2-3/8" from muzzle. Has a rear tang sight, deluxe checkered walnut forend, and the deluxe checkered walnut stock that features Winchester grip cap and buttplate. Highly figured deluxe grain extra finish and one of the more interesting aspects of this rifle is the scaled down dimensions of the butt stock, which is 100% as performed at factory. Has a 13-1/4" LOP and the height at buttplate is 4-3/8". The barrel and tube retain virtually all of their original factory blue with barely any sign that the rifle had ever been taken down as there is no wear on tube from such disassembly. Lever retains traces of original case colors and hammer retains brilliant case colors on left side; slightly less on right. The frame has silvered out to a clean gun metal finish on base, bridge and takedown ring. The sides of the frame retain 30-40% of the brilliant high polish Winchester blued factory finish with the balance simply silvered out. The serration on both sides of frame are not scratches they are simply the usual effects of the polishing and bluing process, and you will find these on numerous Winchesters. The wood is in beautiful near mint condition retaining nearly all of the original finish, with no cracks or chips and sharp as new checkering. Mint bore and action. This big bore deluxe Model 86 was obviously a special order for a person of smaller stature who knew exactly what they wanted in a rifle. We have neither seen nor heard of another deluxe Model 86 in this configuration and given the condition and rarity, would be a prize addition to the most advanced Winchester or Model 1886 collection.