Early Winchester 1886 octagon rifle in the rare and desirable big .45-90 caliber. The low serial number 50096 indicates a manufacture date of 1890. A scarce and desirable western big game chambering in the Mode 1886, the .45-90 WCF (Winchester Center Fire) cartridge was the longest case 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 and are seldom offered on the collector market. The standard and correct 26” octagon barrel displays a deep and 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 also shows a deep and rich blue finish. The receiver case colors have faded to an attractive aged and uncleaned gray/brown appearance. The action is fully functional and tight. The fine condition butt stock, with correct early heavy crescent-style butt plate, and forearm display a fine appearance with only normal light wear and no evidence of cleaning or refinishing. The bore displays fine rifling all the way through which is unusual for an early vintage black powder cartridge rifle. Further, this early 1886 is fitted with a buckhorn rear barrel sight with the sliding elevator bar intact. It is mated with a typical small blade/bead front sight. The top of the octagon barrel ahead of the receiver is clearly and correctly stamped with the caliber designation “45-90 WCF.” The 1886 in .45-90 chambering was very popular in the American West with riflemen who wanted even more power than the standard .45-70 Government round provided. These black powder caliber rifles are rarely found with good condition bores, especially in the largest chamberings. This is an exceptional early and seriously powerful frontier rifle in particularly fine and visually appealing condition that is worthy of the finest western firearms collection. Serial Number: 50096. This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.