^Lot 178 Winchester Model 1886 .50 Express SN: 60044

Winchester 50-110 or the "Big 50", with factory documentation. The Winchester Model 1886, designed by John Moses Browning, was introduced to handle the most powerful cartridges available in the late 19th century. Among these was the .50-110 Winchester, a formidable cartridge first introduced in 1887. Originally designed as a black powder cartridge, the .50-110 fired a .50 caliber, 300-grain bullet with substantial stopping power, making it one of the most powerful commercial cartridges in North America at the time. Manufactured 1891. Serial number “60044” and two line "Pat. Oct. 143 ,1884 Jan 20, 1885" is marked on the lower tang. Two line “Winchester Repeating Arms Co” address line is on the top of the barrel flat. The rear barrel flat is marked “50 EX”. 26 inch octagon fitted with a Lyman beaded blade front sight, adjustable Winchester Flat Top Low Semi-Buckhorn Rear Sights. Marbles aperture sight with 1893, 94 patent dates installed on tang, "Model 1886" under it. All markings are crisp/clear. The bore is bright with strong rifling, has scattered very light pitting, the action is crisp/smooth, the blue on the barrel/tube has dulled somewhat over time, about 70% with handling wear, bright metal showing on the edges, some scratches/scuffs and some minor dings along the edges, The bolt and spring cover in the loading gate retain most of the original blue. The receiver is mostly silver from handling, slight traces of case colors visible, has minor scratches and some very light scattered pin-prick pitting, the forearm & shoulder stock with smooth steel buttplate are overall very good with no chips or cracks, minor dents and scratches, the right forearm has some dings in it, nothing serious and there is a very small screw hole on the underside of the upper forearm. Comes with Winchester Cody Firearms museum letter confirming the caliber and octagon barrel, serial number applied august 11, 1891, received in warehouse August 19, 1891 and shipped August 26, 1891. (Note: About 100 or less "Big 50's" estimated to have been produced.)
NRA Condition-Fine. Antique Firearm.