This is an example of a unique Winchester Model 1886 Take-Down Rifle with Swiss buttplate that was manufactured in 1903. The rifle features a checkered forearm and pistol grip stock; the stock is fitted with a rare special order Swiss buttplate. The rifle has a 24-inch round barrel and unique two-third magazine. The barrel has a Lyman "Hunting" front sight with ivory insert and a sporting style rear sight with sliding sighting notch. Sling swivels are mounted on the forearm cap and stock. The rifle has a full blue finish. The straight grain walnut forearm and pistol grip stock have a varnish finish. The pistol grip has a black hard rubber cap embossed with "WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS". The left side of the barrel is roll-stamped: "MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO./NEW HAVEN.CONN.U.S.A.PAT.OCT.14.1884.JAN.20.1885." in two lines above the forearm cap. "-NICKEL STEEL BARREL-/ESPECIALLY FOR SMOKELESS POWDER" is roll-stamped in two lines on the left side of the barrel below the rear sight followed by: "33 W.C.F.". Oval "W/P" proof marks are stamped on top of the barrel and receiver. The upper receiver tang is roll-stamped: "MODEL 1886/-WINCHESTER-/TRADE MARK REG.IN U.S.PAT.OFF.". The two-line patent dates and the serial number "134368" are stamped on the lower tang. A Cody Firearms Museum records request for this rifle shows "Record Blank".
BBL: 24 inch round
Stock: walnut checkered
Gauge: 33 WCF
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 134368

Very fine with 75% plus original blue finish overall. The barrel, magazine and forearm cap have 95% of the blue finish intact. The take-down collar on the barrel shows the usual handling wear and has a smooth blue-gray patina. The blue finish has thinned to a silver gray patina on the bottom and left side of the receiver. The top right side of the receiver and the upper and lower tang retain nearly all of the original blue finish. Most of the blue finish is present on the lever and hammer. The Swiss buttplate retains 75% of the nickel-silver finish. The forearm cap is missing the side-screw and the ivory insert on the front sight is broken. The stock and forearm have been re-varnished and are both in very good condition. The checkering shows moderate handling wear; both the stock and forearm have scattered light handling marks. This is a unique example of a Winchester Model 1886 Take-Down Rifle with Swiss buttplate.