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Engraved Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Carbine

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,750.00 USD Estimated At:5,500.00 - 9,000.00 USD
Engraved Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Carbine
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Estimate: $5500 - 9000
The custom engraved carbine exhibits both the distinctive early "American Style" German immigrant engraving pattern combined with the Ulrich engraving patterns of pattern/style of both Conrad and John Ulrich. Early patterns are easily identified by the wide/high geometric border around the very edges of the receiver with the exquisite classic Ulrich pattern floral engraving with punch dot background engraving in the center of the side plates and rear area of the receiver, combined with the classic, shell and floral engraved pattern on the front end of the receiver. The underside of the receiver, loading block, and top receiver ring also have the early style small open floral engraved patterns. This carbine has the early third model receiver profile with the serial number located on the lower tang directly behind the trigger. It was originally chambered in 44 Rimfire which has now been converted into 44 Centerfire using the second pattern conversion, with the lateral cut across the bolt face. The barrel has early style front sight mounted on the front barrel band, with the early style two-position rear carbine sight, mounted just in front of the receiver. The top of the barrel has the second pattern Winchester barrel markings of "WINCHESTER'S-REPEATING-ARMS. NEWHAVEN . CT./KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 25 1866. OCT. 16. 1860" in two lines ahead of the rear sight. This carbine is fitted with the early/first style threaded magazine cap. The original saddle ring and staple are mounted on the left side of the receiver. The stock has the early second type brass rifle style buttplate that has the reinforcing web on the lower screw hole extending to the outer edge of the buttplate with only a trap-door and no sliding trap door. The buttplate has the original matching style engraving on top of the buttplate and correctly serial numbered "9083" on the very lower back side of the buttplate, on top of the reinforcing web. The stock and forearm are straight grain black walnut with an oil finish. The serial number "29083" is stamped on the lower tang behind the trigger.
BBL: 20 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 44 CF
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 29083
Condition: Custom embellished with clear sharp engraving overall. The remaining metal surfaces have all browned out overall. The forend and stock are both fair with the showing numerous handling marks, with a crack on the upper right side, just behind the barrel band. The buttstock compartment has been enlarged somewhat to hold extra cartridges, with the bullet nose having broken through on the left side, which then probably caused the stock to crack/broke completely through behind the upper/lower tangs. The stock now shows several old frontier repairs using various wooden screws, through the side of the buttstock, which have all been worn down to the surface of the stock and have completely brownout. The action screws do show some tightening on top slots however all are caked with old corrosion and dirt all around the edges. The underside of the action and around the trigger also shows old, dark accumulation of grease and dirt, indicating years of use. The action needs some minor repairs as the mainspring is lose. Although this carbine sounds like it is in bad condition, it actually shows wear and tear you would expect to find on a Western/Frontier saddle ring carbine. The later applied engraving just exemplifies the Old West lure!