For sale in this lot is a very early Winchester 1886 octagon rifle made during the first full year of production in the rare and desirable .45-70 caliber, low serial number 4523, made 1887. A scarce and desirable western big game chambering in the Model 1886, the .45-70 Government cartridge was the chambering that John Browning used to make the big Model 1886 the strongest and most potent lever action rifle of the day. Few surviving examples of such an early production date remain today and are seldom offered on the collector market. The standard and correct 26ó octagon barrel shows a deep and rich blue finish with only very light ageing and retains excellent Winchester markings that include: MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO., NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A.ó The upper tang is marked with the earliest model designation and states simply, MODEL 1886.ó The bolt located on the top of the receiver also shows a deep and rich blue finish. The receiver case colors have faded to an attractive silvery-gray appearance with excellent screw heads indicating that this fine rifle was not disassembled or repaired. The action is fully functional and tight. The excellent condition butt stock, with correct early heavy crescent-style butt plate, and forearm display fine, very tight wood to metal fit. Even the bore is surprisingly fine with good rifling all the way through. Further, this early 1886 is fitted with the optional and desirable Winchester Sporting Ladderó rear barrel sight correctly marked 1886ó on the ladder and remarkably still retains the slide (these usually missing). The front sight is of the popular long blade with bead style. The top of the octagon barrel ahead of the receiver is clearly and correctly stamped with the caliber designation 45-70.ó The 1886 in .45-70 chambering was very popular in the American West. This is an exceptionally early and seriously powerful frontier rifle in particularly fine condition that is worthy of the finest Winchester or western firearms collection. The rifle qualifies as an Antique Long Gun, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check. Serial Number: 4523. For a complete representation of condition and for additional images please call 800-686-4216. It is the buyer۪s responsibility to view each image and preview the item to determine condition.