1038

Desirable Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Long Guns - Rifles Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 16,000.00 USD
Desirable Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle
Buyer's Premium is 20.5% by credit card, reduced to 18% if payment is made by cash, check or wire transfer. Contact Rock Island Auction Company to complete your registration with the auction house.
Desirable Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle

This is a desirable example of a Winchester Third Model 1866 Rifle that was manufactured in 1873. The top barrel flat is marked "WINCHESTER'S-REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CT./KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29.1866. OCTOBER 16.1860.". The serial number, "124176" is stamped on the lower receiver tang behind the trigger. A small "F" and "S" factory inspection marks are stamped on the lower receiver tang behind the serial number. The rifle has the distinctive brass receiver, forearm cap and buttplate. The barrel and magazine tube have a blue finish and the hammer and loading lever casehardened. The rifle has an octagon barrel and full-length magazine. The barrel is fitted with a dovetail mounted nickel silver front sight and folding sporting leaf rear sight with 1,000 yard center notch and external retaining spring. The buttplate has a cleaning rod trap with folding door (cleaning rod not included). The stock and forend cap are fitted with factory sling swivels. The forend cap is the early brass pattern used to about serial number 135,000. The stock and forearm are straight grain black walnut with a varnish finish.

Manufacture: Winchester
Model: 1866
BBL: 24 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 44
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 124176

Very good plus. The blue finish on the barrel and magazine has aged to an attractive plum brown patina. Metal surfaces are smooth and wear is limited to several minor nicks in the edges of the barrel. The case colors on the hammer and loading lever have faded to a silver-gray. There are a number of small dents in the sides of the lever. The forearm cap, receiver and buttplate have a dark patina with a greenish tone. The buttplate and the sides of the receiver have a some insignificant scratches and light handling marks. The side plate joints are tight and it does not appear that they have been removed from the receiver. The barrel legend and serial number are crisp. The stock and forearm are both very good with only minor handling marks. This is a highly desirable original example of a Winchester Third Model 1866 Rifle with octagonal barrel.