Lot 30

Antique Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle in .50 Express

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Antique Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle in .50 Express

Estimate: $32,500 - $45,000

Starting Bid: $27,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Very Fine Antique Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle in Documented Highly Desirable .50 Express with Factory Letter Manufactured in 1894, this is an very fine example of Winchester's Model 1886 chambered in the most powerful big bore cartridge it was offered in. The included factory letter lists this rifle in .50 Express with an octagon barrel and plain trigger when received at the warehouse on 3 May 1899 and shipped on 11 July 1899 to order no. 31785. The .50-110 Express not only held a special place in the hearts of those on the frontier seeking a rifle that could stop anything but has also remained highly sought after among Winchester collectors. These "Big Fifties" had more than enough power to dispatch all large North American game as well as all but the most dangerous game in Africa, making them highly prized among big game hunters. Due to their popularity among frontier hunters, many of these big bore Winchesters did not survive or are seen in well-used condition, with very little finish remaining, with this particular rifle being an exception to that rule. The rifle has the attractive casehardened receiver which was standard on this model until around 1901. The top barrel flat is marked with the two-line address and the "50 EX." caliber marking at the breech. The upper tang has the model marking, and the lower tang is marked with the serial number. It is fitted with a No. 21 German silver blade front sight and a period shortened elevation adjustable No. 24 notch rear sight. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and attractively figured straight grain and straight gripped stock with a crescent buttplate.

Manufacturer: Winchester

Model: 1886

BBL: 26 inch octagon

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 50-110 Express

Finish: blue/casehardened

Serial Number92187

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Very fine, retains 75% plus of the original blue finish, 70% plus of the vibrant original case colors, and 50% of the original nitre blue on the loading gate with the balance a mixed grey and brown patina with some patches of very light surface freckling and scattered light handling marks. The wood is also very fine with a few moderate scratches on the left of the wrist and otherwise scattered minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. One of these "Big Fifty" Model 1886s is a must have for the serious collector of Winchester lever actions!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000