Marshfield Winchester 1886

[Pat C]

Extraordinary Winchester 1886 first year production in original shipping crate found in attic .Survived in near New condition as you could imagine.


https://www.rockislandauction.com/detai ... 1886-rifle

[Pat C]

Some close ups

[samsi]

Wow, 4 digit s/n too - first year gun. The only way that could be better would be if it had a Browning Bros. stamp.

[EG73]

Surprised it had no rust after sitting so long in a box. Impressive condition.

[Pat C]

Winchester applied grease and preservative oil pretty good to new gunsshipped in crates back then. Which you can see it dried I'm all the nooks and crannies.

If one remembers that crate of 10 Winchester 1894 SRC 's found in a wharhouse. After 100 years or so. Were pristine

[wvfarrier]

Lawdy what a piece of history

[Pat C]

Estimated to fetch upwards of $275K ,one of the highest known condition 1886's like a time capsule.

[Rube Burrows]

Very nice.

[Drawdown]

Wow, hard to imagine being the family who got to open it, look it all over! ??$$$$?, I know, collectors mentality, but I just don't grasp, understand really that kind of thinking! To me, yeah if possible, I'd pay a lot for it! But if a family, friend, or neighbor, anyone connected in any way? Put it to use, that'd be priceless to my way thinking! $ values can't compare to thar!
But what an incredible rifle and story!

[Pat C]

About the closest a man can get to going back in time and looking at a new 1886 Winchester. You see a decent amount of nice rifles but seldom one with no patina or any use.

[Rimfire McNutjob]

It's kind of nice to know what Winchester color case looked like right out of the box 140 years ago. Looks like a pretty high bar. Almost like they knew what they were doing.

[barbarossa]

I would have a hard time owning that and not shooting it

[Pat C]

You see them in 75%-80% ocassionally ,usually some patina mixed in . Seldom do we get to see an as new rifle as it appeared in 1886.

[Bill in Oregon]

That's the "barn find" of the century right there!

[Drawdown]

It really would be amazing to be able to see & handle this rifle, it's a one in a lifetime! But looking at the pics and thinking about it? Judging by the pics, and the common opinion of some experienced people, that the quality and steel of the new Mirokus are the best ever? Other than that tang safety, the new 86's are worth more than they cost, if you're truly a Leverlover! And you gotta admit, the Tang safety used habitually for loading and unloading would be a good habit to get into! This thread makes me want to dive into a new 45-90 even more!

[Rimfire McNutjob]

... that the quality and steel of the new Mirokus are the best ever? Other than that tang safety, the new 86's are worth more than they cost, if you're truly a Leverlover!

I've got a Browning/Miroku 71 and it's pretty solid and well made. The wood is the typical Browning heavy/shiny epoxy. And the chamber throats are a bit shorter than is common in a Winchester. Nothing I can't get past. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a new Miroku if I were in the market for another levergun. My wife tells me that I'm not in the market ... so that must be why I don't have another one.

[Hagler]

***********************


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvycXvFmoYU



************************

[barbarossa]

I have this Browning 86 it s the closest I ll get to owning something like that winchester

[Sixgun]

You notice the large price gap between 150K and 275K? That’s because half of the value of that gun is the story behind it and being owned by a somewhat unknown but prominent family. It also has the crate. I’ve seen plenty of like new case colored 1886’s, 1873’s, 1895’s and single action Colts (one of those is pictured in my sig line) and the prices are around 1/8th of the lower end of the appraisal of that 1886 which is a common no frills,no special order rifle……

There’s a story of the kids playing with the rifle and the different hands it went through…that’s documentation but from relatively unknown people, the same as most guns had. It’s a story passed down but not much in the way of history or real provenance If it was Annie Oakley’s gun, it would be worth that much.

Rock Island is selling a story and hyping it up. I’d price that gun at around 90-100K and that’s only because it’s a low serial number with the box which is very rare on any pre 1898 gun.

But someone with the loot will pay for it and will be falsely impressed.—-006

[EG73]

You notice the large price gap between 150K and 275K? That’s because half of the value of that gun is the story behind it and being owned by a somewhat unknown but prominent family. It also has the crate. I’ve seen plenty of like new case colored 1886’s, 1873’s, 1895’s and single action Colts (one of those is pictured in my sig line) and the prices are around 1/8th of the lower end of the appraisal of that 1886 which is a common no frills,no special order rifle……

There’s a story of the kids playing with the rifle and the different hands it went through…that’s documentation but from relatively unknown people, the same as most guns had. It’s a story passed down but not much in the way of history or real provenance If it was Annie Oakley’s gun, it would be worth that much.

Rock Island is selling a story and hyping it up. I’d price that gun at around 90-100K and that’s only because it’s a low serial number with the box which is very rare on any pre 1898 gun.

But someone with the loot will pay for it and will be falsely impressed.—-006

Fair call, but show me another 1886 that’s as it left the factory (all packing, all gear that came with it, unforced, etc).
Good luck, does it exist except for this one?

[Griff]

Rock Island is selling a story and hyping it up. I’d price that gun at around 90-100K and that’s only because it’s a low serial number with the box which is very rare on any pre 1898 gun.

Eggsackerly! If I were able to afford that gun, I'd probably offer it on loan to Cody with the understanding that it was to be displayed with original packaging to be admired by a wider audience than my local shooting club... but only if they were willing to enter a written contract that it and any display paraphernalia developed were to be returned on demand or to my estate. (...mostly to keep me from shooting it)!

[Sixgun]

Fair call, but show me another 1886 that’s as it left the factory (all packing, all gear that came with it, unforced, etc).
Good luck, does it exist except for this one?

That’s easy to say…”show me”…….Ive been in this game of old collectable guns for a half century and I’ve come to know there are people with LOTS of money who have this stuff but they don’t advertise it like a common person like me will……there’s an inner circle of these wealthy people who show these things amongst themselves. They don’t have the emotional needs to show off…..they’ve been filthy rich since they were born and like most filthy rich people, they enter politics.

It’s the same way wealthy people, not rich, as there’s a big difference between the two, will take trips to the south of France but don’t tell no one while a $1.98 “celebrity” will go places, take pictures and put them on Instagram, like the scabby J-Lo.

I’ve seen and handled many original guns from the 1870’s on that were new and unfired. Most of these guns never had a box, they were shipped in crates that held 10 guns. I have seen crates of 1895 Winchesters where the owner put a glass top on them and used it as a coffee table.

How a gun is sold, using the proper pictures and a “story” can double or triple the price. R.I. is selling a story. The crate and papers will double the price of a likewise 1886 but it sure will not quadruple it.

Let’s pretend your at an upper end gun show and you see the exact same gun at a dealers table with little notes around it, “do not touch” and the price will be around 40-50K…..then there’s another note, “has original shipping crate” and if you want this it will be 100K.

[65bee]

I don't know about that, Sixgun. I equate this with finding a new original 1932 Ford Roadster, never ever registered or run. I can't begin to wonder what it would bring at Barret-Jackson. Certainly into seven figures. That Marshfield 1886 and such a '32 are equal in rarity in my book. I also have been collecting Winchesters over sixty years. With the value of the dollar what it is, I don't think $275K is out of the question, and wouldn't be surprised to see it bring even more. I agree, the story is a big part of its value, but historical association of an object can be priceless.

[Pat C]

The Richard Crosier 1886 sold on Gunbroker last year for
$25K by itself no other accouterments. Nearly same rifle condition was very high.

The story and everything going with the rifle plus the condition really take the Marshfield rifle to premium levels. Not sure what the outcome will be.

I know 1873' seldom bring what 1876 and 1886 bring especially when vivid color case is seen unless 1/100 or 1/1000 then sky is the limit.

30 plus years ago I went to a show and a dealer had on showcase a deluxe 1873 H checkered, XXX walnut,pistol grip,color case hardened, special sights . Just about new except for light patina . At $14K was the asking price.

[Sixgun]

Thanks Pat…..I’ve seen it dozens and dozens of time……..a gun really needs serious provenance, like a famous outlaw, president etc to bring much over a 100K.

[Scott Tschirhart]

This is amazing! And to think that this isn’t a high grade gun but a gun for people to use.

[barbarossa]

I have to agree about the story,while interesting it s not the same as if had been found in Teddy Roosevelt s attic or something similar.If I was bidding on that gun it would for me be all about the gun the crate and accessories but the story behind it would n t matter much

[Sixgun]

After rereading the story I found one major flaw. First, most of the story is no different than any other families history…nothing remarkable taking place, as quotes,”16 Presidents come and gone,World Wars, stock market rose and dropped, etc.” many of us have guns that 20 Presidents came and went.

There were many exclamation points that had nothing to do with the rifle like riding down the hill on his wicker basket wheelchair…

98% of the story had nothing to do with the rifle.

But the real issue with me comes with the rifle being in a “lightly tooled leather scabbard”. I know for an absolute fact that leather holds moisture along with the tanning solutions used would have severely disfigured the finish. They lived by the sea with seasonal changes in temps and humidity…..it’s all BS and would not surprise me if it was all faked. Just a few years ago a Marlin won the “best in condition” at some major collectors show and they later found it was one of Doug Turnbulls first restorations from 20 years earlier.

Money makes the world go around and we all know what P.T.Barnums famous saying is.

Then there’s the famous gun collector who was old in the 1950’s, James Servan who said before buying a gun which is slightly doubtful, “you may convince yourself, but try convincing the next buyer”.

[Pat C]

Six, Very worthy doubts . Although one can easily confirm in person ,not so easy with photos. If big money was put down I would want to measure frame dimensions, barrel dimensions, markings with good loop compared to original.

My guess though it had factory preservative on it and was wrapped in the paper which also had preservative.

The polish lines and detail look like WRA . Anouther clue for me is the machine polish on the bolt top. Turnbull hand polishes. Makes a different look altogether.

If polished and remarked it would be .015-.020 gone off dimensions. Easy to measure.

Someone on anouther sight said shipping label looked fake.


I can see forging grain lines appearing and all that dried grease gunk in corners it take decades for that. Turnbull is only been refinishing for 35 years.

[Sixgun]

I agree Pat as I think the gun is the real deal……I just don’t think it’s worth anywhere near what the appraisers said. I believe the gun was out of light, kept dark and mostly was a forgotten gun. Finishes will age even if no one touches it….light and humidity changes are the main culprits….ahhhh, wtf, I ain’t buying it unless I sold the house. There’s another old saying amongst investment collectors…”when in doubt, do without”.


The way things are in this world, the best investments are most likely food, ammo, guns, and gold…….could you imagine the world falling apart and some Mexicans breaking in and stealing that nice ‘86 and using it to paddle their canoe?:::::D

[Pat C]

Roger that, I can see it happening

[Streetstar]

Much like when i christened an unfired 2nd gen SAA (and an unfired Python ) -- it would be fun to put a few rounds downrange with this one - theyre just guns

Like Six said --- people out there put them under glass coffee tables and then do booger sugar and have sex on top of them --- (well, we can only hope ) -- may as well put a few rounds downrange before retiring it to a life of looking up at noses, rolled up dollar bills, butts and weiners !

[Sixgun]

Ha! You’re right Streetstar…….lots of whacko’s out there but I have to correct you..only the poor people use dollar bills….rich guys use hundred dollar bills and for real, a buddy of mine was at a party where there were lines and a hundred dollar bill rolled up…..wasn’t 15 minutes and the bill was gone.

[6pt-sika]

It really would be amazing to be able to see & handle this rifle, it's a one in a lifetime! But looking at the pics and thinking about it? Judging by the pics, and the common opinion of some experienced people, that the quality and steel of the new Mirokus are the best ever? Other than that tang safety, the new 86's are worth more than they cost, if you're truly a Leverlover! And you gotta admit, the Tang safety used habitually for loading and unloading would be a good habit to get into! This thread makes me want to dive into a new 45-90 even more!

It would be nice ! BUT if I were the one to plunk down enough Jack to acquire it as much as I’d like to play with a 45-90 that thing would go in my vault in something to keep light off it and to keep the vibrant CC’s .

[LeverGunner]

Pretty awesome find if you ask me. It's a time capsule back into the history of Winchester - the gun as well as accounriments. Thanks for sharing.

[Pat C]

Hammer price of $352,500

[LeverGunner]

Good night! Pretty cool.

[LeverGunner]

This is amazing! And to think that this isn’t a high grade gun but a gun for people to use.

I thought the same thing, and one of the reasons I actually use my Turnbull finished Winchester 1892. I want my gun to have some honest wear and memories when my boy takes it up. Very few old guns survived in high condition because they were used, cherished, but used.

[Crazy Horse]

Truly unbelievable find! Some rich person will be very happy.

[Sixgun]

Hammer price of $352,500

Amazing…..who says Americans are living paycheck to paycheck? There is some truth that the gap between rich and poor is widening……
No doubt, there were two guys with unlimited funds battling it out…..thanks for putting that up Pat…….———006

[450 Fuller]

And my few 86s in 33 WCF...











We deal in lead, friend.

We ALSO vote red down here, Norseman.