Featured for bidding in this lot is a very early production Winchester 1887 Lever Action 12 Gauge Shotgun, serial number 16296, made the second year of production in 1888! This model was designed by John Browning and brought Winchester into the forefront of the repeating shotgun business. The 1887 was cherished for its reliability and fire power. Many were used by freight carriers like Wells Fargo, train guards, prison guards and lawmen of the west. Sportsmen who were used to handling lever action rifles also found favor with the 1887 lever action shotgun. This is an early example with fine metal that has seen no cleaning, steel wooling or abuse of any kind. The metal surfaces are smooth and retain a deeply aged patina. The Winchester markings on the lower tang are sharp and include: MANUFACTURE BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO., NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A., PAT. FEB. 16 & JULY 20, 1886.ó The WRA Coó (Winchester Repeating Arms Company) entwined logo on the left side of the receiver is also particularly sharp and clear. The receiver screws are also in fine condition. It retains the original checkered steel shotgun butt plate (these often changed or replaced with rubber recoil pads) and the wood is solid and original. Correct and original standard 30ó barrel retains the original brass bead front sight, mechanically crisp and tight, a very difficult historical model to locate in any condition and this one is far above most that have survived to the present. The shotgun qualifies as an Antique Long Gun, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check. Serial Number: 16296. 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.