Fall 2026 Premier Firearms & Militaria Auction
November 6th, 7th, & 8th, 2026
This auction will feature an outstanding collection of items spanning multiple categories including Modern, Military, Sporting, & Antique firearms & militaria! Below is just a small grouping of select highlights from the massive offering to be featured in this upcoming sale.
SHOCKINGLY RARE DOCUMENTED WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 “BIG FIFTY” LEVERACTION TAKEDOWN SHORT RIFLE CHAMBERED IN 50-100-450
| Cal. 50-100-450. | S# 124692. | Mfg. 1901. | 26-2822/BH |
The 50-100-450 chambering was an extremely limited offering by Winchester from 1895-1910. A documented survey by John Madl in regards to the Winchester 1886 overall initially stated that only 241 rifles and carbines were mfg. in this caliber. Subsequent survey by Jim Paul and Tom Adams documenting 1886 Winchesters in this caliber only list as many as 331. The survey by Paul and Adams goes on to explain that their count would include examples that may have been rebarreled to this caliber by the factory and firearms that were originally received in this caliber at the warehouse, were never sold and subsequently rebarreled to a more popular caliber. Regardless, the survey aired on the side of caution and the actual number sold to the public could actually be far less than the 331 listed. Of the approx.160,000 Model 1886 Winchesters produced this caliber accounts for only 0.2% of the entire production. What sets this particular rifle apart is the fact that it was manufactured with a 22″ barrel, of which only 11 examples are documented in Paul and Adam’s survey on page 9. This cataloger has only been able to locate one other example (S#110686.) Other uncommon features are the round barrel, of which account for 30% of the production in this chambering and the takedown feature which accounts for only 26%. With only 9 other 22″ short rifles documented, this combination of features places this rifle in the realm of potentially one-of-a-kind status. Rifle features 22″ round barrel with marbles No.2 front sight, dovetail filler in rear seat and Climbin Lyman receiver sight. 1/2 length takedown magazine. Walnut for end and straight grip stock with Winchester “Wagon Wheel” shotgun butt plate. Case colored lever and hammer, bottom of barrel correctly stamped “54”. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Winchester factory letter stating the following: ” rifle / 50/100/450 caliber / round barrel–22 inch / plain trigger / 1/2 magazine / takedown / Received in the warehouse on September 25,1901 / Shipped from the warehouse on September 26,1901″. CURIO GUN
