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Exceptional Early Production Winchester Model 1866 Saddle Ring Carbine

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Long Guns - Carbines Start Price:15,000.00 USD Estimated At:30,000.00 - 40,000.00 USD
Exceptional Early Production Winchester Model 1866 Saddle Ring Carbine
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Exceptional Early Production Winchester Model 1866 Saddle Ring Carbine

This is a beautiful example of an original unaltered and one of the finest Winchester 1866 Saddle Ring Carbines that we have offered for public sale. The 1866 models were the forerunner of all subsequent Winchester lever action rifle designs and were extremely popular on the Frontier West. Model 1866 Winchesters typically saw extremely heavy use. In 1866 the New Haven Arms Company changed its name to Winchester Repeating Arms Company. The Model 1866 was the first firearm to be built under the Winchester name. The Model 1866 rifles and carbines were essentially an improved version of the previous Henry lever action rifle with the new solid magazine tube, forearm and receiver loading gate developed by Winchester Plant Superintendent Nelson King. These features were a significant improvement over the slotted magazine tube used on the Henry rifles. King's improvement, combined with a wooden forearm to protect both the shooter's hands and the magazine tube resulted in the Model 1866 Winchester. This is a Third Model manufactured in 1876. Winchester manufactured a total of 5,941 Model 1866 rifles and carbines in that year. This serial number is located on the lower tang directly behind the trigger. The receiver has the later style side plate cover with the indented loading gate retained by a single screw. The loading lever latch is the small style. The top of the barrel is marked "WINCHESTER'S - REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CT/KING'S IMPROVEMENT - PATENTED - MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16 1860." The caliber designation "44" is located on the left side of the barrel at the breech. The bottom of the cartridge elevator is engraved "44 CAL". The side of the upper tang is marked with Winchester inspection mark "J.P.P." and the lower tang is stamped "41". The barrel is fitted with the late style two-position leaf rear sight with the "v" notch. The front sight is integral with the front barrel band. The carbine has the later style magazine plug retained by a screw. The left side of the receiver is fitted with a saddle ring and staple. Blue barrel and magazine tube, and casehardened hammer and lever. Mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a single barrel band and brass carbine buttplate with compartment (cleaning rod not included). The accompanying factory letter states that the carbine was received in the warehouse on June 9,1876, shipped from the warehouse on June 12, 1876 to order number 6217 and returned and repaired on March 21, 1908,#16441. It is unknown what was repaired, most likely it was mechanical.

Manufacture: Winchester
Model: 1866
BBL: 20 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 44 RF
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 130726

Excellent. The barrel and magazine tube retain 97% plus original factory blue finish with some minor muzzle wear and some scattered tiny dings. The bolt retains 90% original blue finish with normal usage wear. The barrel bands have flashes of original blue finish mixed with a smooth mottled brown patina. The receiver and side plate assembly have a natural untouched dark mustard yellow aged patina. The side plate joints are tight and it appears that they have never been removed. The markings are clear and sharp. The hammer retains 90% of the original case colors with the balance (mostly on the upper hammer spur) a smooth brown patina. The loading lever has 75% original case colors remaining with most of the case colors aged to a dark brown patina The wood is very good as refinished with some gouging on the right side of the stock, and overall some minor dents and scratches. Model 1866 Carbines were a working weapon on the frontier and are almost never encountered with a significant amount of original finish. This exceptional Model 1866 Winchester Carbine is one of the better originals extant. It would be extremely difficult to improve on.