Original Item: Only One Available. This is an especially attractive second year production Winchester Model 1887 lever action shotgun, serial number 12278, manufactured in 1888. Designed by John M. Browning, the Model 1887 was one of the earliest commercially successful repeating shotguns and remains one of Winchester's most instantly recognizable designs. This early 12 gauge example was subsequently returned to Winchester and fitted with a later 30" FULL choke barrel, as indicated by the later style barrel markings together with Winchester proof marks on both the barrel and receiver. The replacement barrel remains in exceptional condition, particularly internally, giving this early Model 1887 an interesting two period Winchester history.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The Model 1887 was another of John M. Browning's highly innovative Winchester designs. Winchester wanted its first repeating shotgun to take advantage of the company's established reputation for lever action firearms, and Browning produced a distinctive lever operated rolling block action. Production began in May 1887, making this 1888 example a genuine second year production shotgun.

The earliest Model 1887s were produced exclusively in 12 gauge. Winchester did not introduce the 10 gauge version until approximately serial number 22153 in early 1889, at which point gauge markings began appearing on production barrels. Serial number 12278 therefore originally left Winchester during the period when Model 1887 barrels ordinarily did not require a gauge designation.

The serial number is:

12278

Winchester serial records place this shotgun in 1888. Factory tables show serial number 7431 as the end of 1887 and 22408 as the end of 1888, securely placing 12278 in the model's second year of production.

The shotgun is presently fitted with a 30" barrel marked over the chamber:

12
FULL

The FULL marking denotes a full choke barrel, with constriction near the muzzle intended to produce a tighter shot pattern at distance.

The barrel is additionally marked on the left side:

MANUFACTURED BY THE
— WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U. S. A. —

Most significantly, both the barrel and receiver bear Winchester superimposed:

W P

proof marks within an oval. These marks are not consistent with the shotgun's original 1888 production date. Winchester adopted its familiar definitive proof marking later, and the presence of the proof on both an early receiver and the later marked barrel indicates that the gun returned to Winchester for factory work. Combined with the 12 / FULL chamber marking, which is later than the original production configuration of serial 12278, the evidence strongly supports this being a Winchester factory replacement barrel installed during the early 20th century.

The barrel appears to have seen relatively little use following replacement. The bore is in excellent condition, remaining exceptionally bright and shiny with very little visible evidence of firing or corrosion.

The lower front of the receiver is marked with an 18 in a diamond marking, the meaning of which has not been established.

The left side of the receiver retains the characteristic overlapping:

W R A Co

monogram that is such a recognizable feature of the Model 1887.

The lower tang retains its original factory markings:

MANUFACTURED BY THE
WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO.
— NEW HAVEN. CONN. U. S. A. —
PAT. FEB. 16 & JULY 20. 1886.

These markings remain crisp and fully legible.

The metalwork is in very good overall condition. The replacement barrel retains substantial blued finish, fading toward plum across much of its upper surface with some scattered light peppering. The magazine tube retains especially strong blue toward the front, while the rear portion beneath the fore stock shows more handling wear and has faded toward plum and gray.

The receiver presently retains considerable dark finish along its sides, with wear concentrated along the exposed corners and edges. Model 1887 receiver frames were originally case color hardened rather than factory blued, so any surviving blue type finish on the receiver represents later refinishing rather than the shotgun's original 1888 finish. The receiver nevertheless presents very well and retains strong markings and attractive age.

The action remains mechanically functional during manual inspection. It cycles smoothly through the lever stroke and gives a crisp dry fire. We did not note sticking or other obvious operating deficiencies. We have not tested the shotgun with cartridges and therefore cannot confirm magazine feeding or cycling under ammunition.

The walnut stocks are in excellent condition and show the classic red brown color of aged Winchester walnut. They appear to have received a cherry toned varnished finish at some point in the past, which remains very well preserved.

The butt stock retains its characteristic shaped pistol grip and is fitted with a hard rubber butt plate marked:

WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS Co.

The stock shows only scattered small scratches and dents. We do not see cracks, structural repairs, or other major condition problems.

With its second year 1888 production date, serial number 12278, early 12 gauge configuration, unmistakable lever action mechanism, Winchester factory replacement 30" full choke barrel, excellent bore, strong markings, handsome walnut stocks, and substantial surviving finish, this is a particularly interesting Model 1887. Rather than simply being an early survivor, it also documents a later period when Winchester itself continued servicing and updating its older sporting arms. It would make an excellent addition to an advanced Winchester collection, a John M. Browning design collection, or a display tracing the development of American repeating shotguns during the late 19th century.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1888
Manufacturer: Winchester Repeating Arms Company
Model: 1887 Lever-Action Shotgun
Serial Number: 12278
Caliber: 12 gauge Black Powder
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 30 Inches
Overall Length: 46 3/8 Inches
Action type: Lever Action Repeater
Feed System: 5 + 2 magazine (5 in the tube, one in the chamber, one in the carrier)
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

The Winchester Model 1887 (Dellosso Shotgun) is a lever-action shotgun originally designed by famed American gun designer John Browning and produced by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company during the late 19th century. It was a black-powder design, and was replaced by the similar Model 1901, which was designed to handle smokeless powder, but was otherwise identical.

The Model 1887 was one of the first successful repeating shotguns. Its lever-action design was chosen at the behest of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, best known at the time as manufacturers of lever-action rifles such as the Winchester Model 1873. Designer John Browning suggested that a pump-action would be much more appropriate for a repeating shotgun, but Winchester management's position was that, at the time, the company was known as a "lever-action firearm company", and felt that their new shotgun must also be a lever-action for reasons of brand recognition. Browning responded by designing a breech-loading, rolling block lever-action. To Winchester's credit, however, they later introduced a Browning designed pump-action shotgun known as the Model 1893 (an early production version of the model 1897), after the introduction of smokeless powder.

Shotgun shells at the time used black powder as a propellant, and so the Model 1887 shotgun was designed and chambered for less powerful black powder shotshells. Both 10 and 12-gauge models were offered in the Model 1887; 12-gauge variants used a 2 5/8" shell, 10-gauge variants fired a 2 7/8" shell. The standard barrel length was 30" with 32" available as a special order. In 1888 a 20" barrelled version could be ordered and Winchester offered the shotguns with Damascus barrels.

NOTE: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not able to ship to the United Kingdom. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

Note: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not able to ship to the United Kingdom.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.