Winchester Model 1886 Deluxe Takedown .45-70 Govt 22" Extra Light, 1900 C&R
Archival record: Specifications and condition reflect the firearm as listed at the time of auction.
Final Auction Price: $6,910.00
The Winchester Model 1886 is one of John M. Browning’s most significant lever-action designs, renowned for its strength, balance, and ability to handle powerful cartridges such as the .45-70 Government. This Deluxe Takedown example, manufactured in 1900, features an Extra Light 22-inch round barrel, deluxe checkered walnut stocks, and period-correct special-order features that place it among the more desirable configurations for collectors.
Identification
MMA#: 250903GN017
Make: Winchester
Model: 1886 Deluxe Takedown
Serial Number: 120973
Year of Manufacture: 1900
Caliber: .45-70 Government
Action Type: Lever-action rifle fed by tubular magazine
Barrel Length: 22 inches, round, Extra Light
Sights / Optics
Front sight: Lyman white-beaded blade dovetailed to a raised base fixed to the barrel.
Rear sight: Folding aperture peep sight mounted to the top tang.
The rear of the barrel has a dovetail cut fitted with a blank.
Stock Configuration & Condition
Two-piece checkered walnut stocks with nose cap, capped pistol grip, straight comb, and checkered black hard rubber shotgun-style buttplate. The wood shows areas of thinning finish, scattered nicks, compressions, and scratches that have darkened with age. A small chip is present at the lower right wrist near the receiver. Checkering remains strong throughout. Length of pull measures approximately 13 inches. The buttplate shows fading, discoloration, and minor surface marks. Overall stock condition: Very Good to Fine.
Finish & Overall Condition
Type of Finish: Blue and case color
Finish Originality: Original
This rifle retains approximately 80% of its original metal finish. The receiver shows areas of thinning, streaking, and light scratches consistent with abrasive cleaning, along with scattered oxidation and discoloration, most noticeable on the receiver and lever. There are localized patches of pitting and erosion, primarily on the receiver. Edge wear and standard operational marks are present. Screw heads range from sharp to lightly used, and markings remain clear. Overall condition: Very Good.
Bore & Mechanics
Bore Condition: Semi-bright with sharp rifling where not interrupted by erosion. Patches of light to moderate pitting are present. Rated 6/10.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and includes a half-cock hammer safety. This rifle has not been test-fired. It has been cleaned and mechanically checked; additional cleaning may be desired depending on owner standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories
Included is a printed Cody Firearms Museum record.
Our Assessment
The Winchester Model 1886 stands as one of the strongest and most elegant lever-action rifles of its era, designed by John Browning to handle large and powerful cartridges at a time when lever guns were rapidly evolving. Produced for nearly four decades, the Model 1886 was available in numerous standard and special-order configurations, resulting in a wide range of collectible variations today.
This example is a Deluxe Takedown rifle with a 22-inch Extra Light round barrel chambered in .45-70 Government, paired with deluxe checkered walnut stocks and a shotgun butt. While the Cody record notes a half-length magazine and a smokeless-marked barrel, this rifle is fitted with a full-length magazine tube and an Extra Light barrel, which were commonly produced with Nickel Steel barrels rather than smokeless-marked barrels. Record inconsistencies are known to occur on Winchester factory letters, particularly on takedown models.
For a rifle manufactured 125 years ago, this example retains a substantial amount of original finish and presents with honest wear consistent with age and careful use. It represents a highly desirable configuration and would make a strong addition to a serious Winchester or early lever-action collection.
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