This is an exceedingly rare and historic Citizens’ Guard of Hawaii custom ordered Winchester Model 1886 octagon barrel rifle chambered in .38-56 caliber, marked “C G H” circa 1891. These letters stand for Citizens’ Guard of Hawaii. The Citizens' Guard of Hawaii was a volunteer militia active during the late 19th century, particularly during the turbulent transition of the Hawaiian government (including the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii and the establishment of the Republic of Hawaii) before it dissolved around 1898. Information published by the Winchester Collector magazine (Winchester Arms Collectors Association) states the following concerning the arms used by the C. G. H.: The Guard purchased and issued a variety of Winchester firearms to its members. While Model 1873 carbines and Model 1876 muskets are the most frequently seen with this marking, some Model 1886 rifles were also acquired or privately owned by members and branded. Authentic "C.G.H." marked Winchesters are highly collectible and carry a significant premium because of their direct connection to Hawaii. For this reason it is important for the collector to carefully inspect the “C G H” stampings in the stock. As these markings were applied in the 1890s, they should be worn in with rounded edges and typically aged through years of grit, oil soaking, and handling. The .38-56 WCF (Winchester Center Fire) cartridge was introduced in 1887. By 1891, it was an incredibly popular choice for shooters who wanted the unmatched strength of John Browning’s 1886 action but preferred a slightly flatter-shooting, milder-recoiling round compared to the massive .45-70 or .45-90. This caliber was perfectly suited to Hawaii. This example shows all metal surfaces a very dark uncleaned appearance. The barrel, magazine, receiver, forend cap and butt plate are typical of guns stored and used in warm humid climates near the ocean as all these steel parts have a deep almost lightly “frosted” dark appearance. All barrel and tang markings are clear and sharp. It is fitted with a small blade/bead front sight with simple buckhorn in the rear dovetail. The forend has a row of intriguing tiny “kill notches” in the upper sharp edge on each side. The meaning of these is unknown, but probably is attributed to some sort of hunting on the islands. The forend shows good wood to metal fit and neither the stock nor forend have been sanded or refinished. The butt stock shows some chipping around the upper and lower tangs which is typical of hard used rifles. The “C G H” markings on each side of the stock appear very old and worn in, not faint, but certainly show great age and wear. The action is tight with only the half-cock on the hammer holding but weak. The bore is surprisingly fine with strong rifling all the way through. The overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom occurred in January 1893, and the Citizens' Guard was actively forming, arming, and drilling throughout the early-to-mid 1890s. A rifle manufactured in 1891 would have been brand new and sits perfectly in the window of firearms shipped out west and to the Pacific during this turbulent era. A fascinating and rare piece of Hawaiian history. This rifle weighs 9lbs 6oz. Serial Number: 55841. This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.