This is an example of a Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action rifle that was manufactured in 1888 and subsequently custom engraved and refurbished in the 20th century. The Cody Firearms Records Office serial number verification form indicates that this Model 1886 left the factory as a rifle with 45/90 caliber octagon barrel and plain trigger. The rifle was received in the warehouse on September 25, 1888 and shipped on October 2, 1888. The rifle has a 26-inch full octagon barrel with full length magazine, factory single set trigger and sling swivels on the forearm cap and stock. The barrel has a Lyman "Winchester Express" front sight and adjustable folding leaf rear sight marked "1886" at the top of the leaf. The top barrel flat has cross-checkered matting that covers the Winchester legend and obscures the caliber markings. The forearm and pistol grip stock are "XXXX" highly figured, fancy grain walnut with checkered forearm and pistol grip and a low-luster piano finish. The bottom of the pistol grip has an ebony inlay. The barrel, magazine, bolt, loading gate and trigger are blued and the forearm cap, receiver, hammer, lever and crescent buttplate are color casehardened. The receiver, bolt, hammer, lever, forearm cap and buttplate heel are engraved with flawlessly executed arabesque scrollwork and fancy borders. The engraving is similar in style and quality to Winchester factory work but lacks the game scenes found on most standard factory engraving. The left side of the lower tang is stamped with the assembly number "341" followed by "XXXX" and "SS". The assembly number "341" is also stamped in the upper tang inlet of the stock. A British "Crown/V" proof mark is stamped on the right side of the receiver and on the left side of the bolt. The upper receiver tang is roll-stamped "-MODEL 1886-" surrounded by engraved borders. The 1884 and 1885 patent dates are stamped behind the trigger on the lower tang. The serial number "23770" is engraved in script numerals on the lower tang and surrounded by scroll-work flourishes.

Very good. The rifle has been expertly re-finished to nearly mint condition; the consignor notes state this rifle was refinished prior to 1975. The blue finish on the barrel, magazine, bolt and loading gate is almost indistinguishable from the Winchester commercial blue finish and is in nearly new condition. The case colors on the forearm cap, receiver, hammer, lever and buttplate are vivid. The intricate and flawlessly executed engraving is crisp and deep. The crude recut checkering on the forearm has flattened diamonds with some wear on the underside while the pistol grip checkering has sharp diamonds. The stock and forearm have been expertly refinished to nearly new condition.