This exceptionally rare Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle represents an extraordinary piece of early Winchester production. Chambered in .45-70 and fitted with a 26-inch octagon barrel, the rifle features a dovetail blade front sight, elevation-adjustable rear sight, smooth walnut forearm, straight-grip walnut stock, and crescent buttplate. The accompanying factory letter documents it as a first-day production rifle, received in the Winchester warehouse on August 30, 1886, and shipped the following day with an octagon barrel and plain trigger.
Adding significantly to its collector interest is its single-digit serial number 8 and distinguished provenance. The rifle was formerly part of the renowned Harold Argile McCallum Collection, specifically McCallum’s notable group of three serial number 8 Winchesters. It later became part of The William O’Neil Estate Collection. The rifle remains in very good plus condition, displaying traces of original blue and case colors in protected areas with an attractive smooth gray patina, while the walnut shows minor age-related wear. Mechanically excellent, this is a remarkable early-production Model 1886 combining rarity, documented factory history, and significant Winchester collecting provenance
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This exceptionally rare Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle represents an extraordinary piece of early Winchester production. Chambered in .45-70 and fitted with a 26-inch octagon barrel, the rifle features a dovetail blade front sight, elevation-adjustable rear sight, smooth walnut forearm, straight-grip walnut stock, and crescent buttplate. The accompanying factory letter documents it as a first-day production rifle, received in the Winchester warehouse on August 30, 1886, and shipped the following day with an octagon barrel and plain trigger.
Adding significantly to its collector interest is its single-digit serial number 8 and distinguished provenance. The rifle was formerly part of the renowned Harold Argile McCallum Collection, specifically McCallum’s notable group of three serial number 8 Winchesters. It later became part of The William O’Neil Estate Collection. The rifle remains in very good plus condition, displaying traces of original blue and case colors in protected areas with an attractive smooth gray patina, while the walnut shows minor age-related wear. Mechanically excellent, this is a remarkable early-production Model 1886 combining rarity, documented factory history, and significant Winchester collecting provenance
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