For sale in this lot is a Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action rifle, chambered for the popular .45-70 cartridge. The rifle is an early production model, dating to manufacture year 1891. The Model 1886 was designed by the renowned John Browning, and was intended to be used with some of the most powerful cartridges of the time, including .45-70, .45-90, and .40-82. Despite being originally designed for use with black powder, the action was strong enough to make the jump to smokeless powder with only minor modifications. Winchester bought the Patents from John. M. Browning and paid him a small percent in cash, then they paid him off in full by shipping completed ready to sell firearms to their retail shop in the Utah Territory which they operated in the 19th century. Those firearms after being received in Ogden, Utah were then stamped "BROWNING BROS. OGDEN U.T." on the top of the barrel between the Winchester address stamp and the front of the rear sight. After Utah became a state in 1896, the stamp was changed to "BROWNING BROS. OGDEN U." This example utilizes a 26" octagonal barrel, adjustable ladder rear sight, paired with a blade front sight, and showing a patina'd blue finish, contrasted by excellent walnut fixtures. The rifle is correctly marked, reading; "Model 1886" on the upper-tang, "PAT OCT. 14 1884 - JAN. 20 1885" on the lower-tang, ".45-70" on the upper of the barrel, behind the rear sight, and "Manufactured by the - Winchester Repeating Arms Co. New Haven, CONN. U.S.A. - BROWNING BROS. OGDEN U.T." on the upper of the barrel. Overall, the rifle shows good mechanical condition. The action is tight, and the barrel shows strong rifling with some darkness. Serial Number: 59022. This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check. For a complete representation of condition and for additional images please call 800-686-4216. It is the buyer’s responsibility to view each image and preview the item to determine condition.