{"product_id":"original-u-s-winchester-model-1887-lever-action-12-gauge-shotgun-with-winchester-factory-replacement-30-full-choke-barrel-made-in-1888-2nd-year-production-serial-no-12278","title":"Original U.S. Winchester Model 1887 Lever Action 12 Gauge Shotgun with Winchester Factory Replacement 30\" Full Choke Barrel, Made in 1888, 2nd Year Production, Serial No. 12278","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an especially attractive second year production Winchester Model 1887 lever action shotgun, serial number \u003cstrong\u003e12278\u003c\/strong\u003e, manufactured in \u003cstrong\u003e1888\u003c\/strong\u003e. 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 \u003cstrong\u003e30\" FULL choke barrel\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 \u003cstrong\u003esecond year production\u003c\/strong\u003e shotgun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe earliest Model 1887s were produced exclusively in \u003cstrong\u003e12 gauge\u003c\/strong\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe serial number is:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e12278\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWinchester serial records place this shotgun in \u003cstrong\u003e1888\u003c\/strong\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe shotgun is presently fitted with a \u003cstrong\u003e30\" barrel\u003c\/strong\u003e marked over the chamber:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e12\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFULL\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eFULL\u003c\/strong\u003e marking denotes a full choke barrel, with constriction near the muzzle intended to produce a tighter shot pattern at distance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe barrel is additionally marked on the left side:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMANUFACTURED BY THE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e— WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U. S. A. —\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost significantly, both the barrel and receiver bear Winchester superimposed:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eW P\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eproof 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 \u003cstrong\u003e12 \/ FULL\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe barrel appears to have seen relatively little use following replacement. The bore is in \u003cstrong\u003eexcellent condition\u003c\/strong\u003e, remaining exceptionally bright and shiny with very little visible evidence of firing or corrosion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lower front of the receiver is marked with an \u003cstrong\u003e18 in a diamond\u003c\/strong\u003e marking, the meaning of which has not been established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe left side of the receiver retains the characteristic overlapping:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eW R A Co\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003emonogram that is such a recognizable feature of the Model 1887.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lower tang retains its original factory markings:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMANUFACTURED BY THE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e— NEW HAVEN. CONN. U. S. A. —\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAT. FEB. 16 \u0026amp; JULY 20. 1886.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese markings remain crisp and fully legible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe butt stock retains its characteristic shaped pistol grip and is fitted with a hard rubber butt plate marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS Co.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stock shows only scattered small scratches and dents. We do not see cracks, structural repairs, or other major condition problems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its second year \u003cstrong\u003e1888\u003c\/strong\u003e production date, serial number \u003cstrong\u003e12278\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: 1888\u003cbr\u003eManufacturer: Winchester Repeating Arms Company\u003cbr\u003eModel: 1887 Lever-Action Shotgun\u003cbr\u003eSerial Number: 12278\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: 12 gauge Black Powder\u003cbr\u003eCartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 30 Inches\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 46 3\/8 Inches\u003cbr\u003eAction type: Lever Action Repeater\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: 5 + 2 magazine (5 in the tube, one in the chamber, one in the carrier)\u003cbr\u003eFederal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShotgun 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46028495519813,"sku":"ONJR26SERA07","price":2795.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/E8A7423D-FE35-45AE-B39E-348EE7452F74.jpg?v=1792178094","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-winchester-model-1887-lever-action-12-gauge-shotgun-with-winchester-factory-replacement-30-full-choke-barrel-made-in-1888-2nd-year-production-serial-no-12278","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}