This is an exceptional example of a seldom encountered unused early production Winchester lever action repeating shotgun that was manufactured in 1890. With all the success that Winchester was having with their lever action rifle they decided to produce a similar mechanism shotgun to compliment their rifles. Winchester purchased the patent rights for shotgun design from John M. Browning in 1885 and successfully produced this model from 1887 to 1898 selling approximately 65,000. The barrel is unmarked except for the circular "WP" Winchester proof and "12" in front of the receiver. The left side of the receiver has the large intertwined "WRA" script markings in a circle and the lower tang is marked "MANUFACTURED BY THE/WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO/--NEW HAVEN CONN. U.S.A.--/PAT. FEB. 16. & JULY 20. 1886". Blue barrel and magazine with single bead sight and casehardened receiver and lever. Smooth forearm and round knob pistol grip stock with a steel checkered buttplate.

Extremely fine. The barrel and magazine 85% plus of the original blue finish. The receiver and lever retain 80% of the attractive original case colors with some very slight thinning on the upper tang and bottom of the lever. The wood remains excellent with minor pressure dents, scuffs, and scratches. Receiver and tang markings are crisp. The action is excellent.