Released in 1893-1894, the .50-100-450 Express cartridge was one of the most powerful commercial cartridges available at the time, and it quickly proved popular with big and dangerous game hunters. Many Winchester rifles chambered for this powerful cartridge were shipped to England and then found their way to Africa and India where they were often employed against big cats. Demand for the cartridge in the United States was low however, and relatively few of these rifles were manufactured. The Model 1886 in .50 Express was only produced in limited numbers, especially when compared to the smaller calibers. Today Winchesters in .50 Express are a highly sought after collectible. Examples in any condition are proving difficult to find. This example was manufactured in 1910. It is fitted with a beaded blade front sight and three leaf rear sight. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line address/patent dates marking ahead of the rear sight and "50-100-450" at the breech. Winchester factory oval proofs are stamped on the receiver and barrel at the breech. The upper tang has the three-line model designation/trade mark information, and the lower tang has the two-line patent dates and serial number. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate. Unfortunately, no factory record on this serial range available in the Cody records.

Very fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain 90% plus original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance. The takedown collar retains 40% original blue finish. The forend cap retains 95% original blue finish. The receiver retains 30% plus original blue finish with smooth brown patina on the balance. The bolt retains 97% original blue finish. Buttplate is a mix of brown and gray patinas. 30% faded original case colors remain on the lever and hammer. The wood is excellent with some scattered minor handling marks and light texturing to the stock finish. Mechanically excellent.