This lot features an early Winchester 1886 rifle in the rare and desirable big .45-70 caliber. The low serial number 84619 indicates a manufacture date of 1893. A scarce and desirable western big game chambering in the Model 1886, the .45-70 cartridge was the standard U.S. Military cartridge of the time and proved to be a very powerful chambering used by Winchester in this largest of John Browning’s designed lever action rifles. The big Model 1886 action was the strongest and most potent lever action rifle of the day. Few surviving examples in this powerful black powder caliber remain today in this fine condition and are infrequently offered on the collector market. The standard and correct 26” round barrel displays a rich aged blue finish and retains excellent Winchester markings that include: “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO., NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A.” The upper tang is stamped with the earliest style marking and states simply, “MODEL 1886.” The bolt located on the top of the receiver and loading gate also show a deep and rich blue finish. The receiver case colors have faded to an attractive aged dark appearance with some traces of wispy blue case color. The action is fully functional and tight. The excellent condition butt stock, with correct early heavy crescent-style butt plate and forearm display excellent and very tight wood to metal fit, indicating that the wood has never been sanded or refinished. Amazingly, the bore is mirror bright with sharp rifling all the way through and would be considered in about new condition! Further, this early 1886 is fitted with a special order ladder sporting rear sight with elevation slide intact and correct 1886 stamping on the front top portion of the ladder. It is mated with the typical small blade Winchester front sight. The top of the octagon barrel ahead of the receiver is clearly and correctly stamped with the caliber designation “45-70” The 1886 in .45-70 chambering was very popular in the American West with riflemen who wanted the proven power that this government round provided. These black powder caliber rifles are rarely found with mint condition bores, especially in the largest chamberings. Excellent mechanically with strong springs and solid safety half-cock on the hammer. There is still some very old dried grease on this rifle indicating it has been in storage for many years This is an exception early and seriously powerful 130 year old frontier rifle in particularly fine and visually appealing condition that is worthy of the most advanced Winchester or western firearms collection. Serial Number: 84619. This firearm qualifies as an antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.*