Very high condition, early Winchester Model 1886 octagon rifle in desirable .45-90 caliber. This exceptional rifle with serial number 17435 was made during the second year of production in 1888. The Model 1886 was Jonathan Browning’s first large caliber rifle design capable of handling such big game cartridges as .40-82, .45-70 and .45-90. It was a popular model with hunters on the western frontier who regularly encountered big game such as elk and grizzly bears. This outstanding example shows fine deep blue on both the barrel and magazine. The barrel displays sharp Winchester address markings and is also clearly stamped “45-90 W.C.F.” (Winchester Center Fire) on the top octagon flat just ahead of the receiver. The 26” barrel is fitted with the correct buckhorn rear sight with elevator bar intact and Winchester small blade front sight. The receiver appears uncleaned and shows a lovely silvery/gray mottled patina with some good aged blue on the bolt and excellent screw heads. The lever retains fine lightly aged case colors and the action is tight with a strong safety half-cock on the hammer. The stock and forearm show only normal light handling with very tight wood to metal fit, indicating that the wood has never been sanded or refinished. The bore is bright and excellent with sharp rifling throughout. Overall, a big early Winchester 1886 in a most desirable caliber, in an equally desirable state of preservation not often seen. A most attractive investment quality 135 year old Winchester Model 1886. Antique Firearm, NO FFL.