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Fantastic Winchester Third Model 1866 Musket with Exquisite European Relief Engraving and Relief Car

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:7,000.00 USD Estimated At:14,000.00 - 22,500.00 USD
Fantastic Winchester Third Model 1866 Musket with Exquisite European Relief Engraving and Relief Car
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Estimate: $14000 - 22500
This is an example of a Winchester Third Model 1866 musket that was manufactured in 1871 and subsequently elaborately engraved and embellished. The musket has the distinctive Third Model receiver profile and serial number stamped on the bottom of the lower receiver tang with 27 inch round musket barrel and 24 inch magazine. The barrel has a block mounted front sight that serves as a lug for a socket bayonet and a Henry style folding leaf rear sight. Sling swivels are mounted on the lower barrel band and stock. The stock has a brass carbine style buttplate with sliding brass trapdoor. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the second style legend. The musket has been professionally modified and has custom European engraving on the receiver, barrel bands, lever and buttplate. The forearm has been shortened and checkered. The stock has European style relief carving. One barrel band has been removed and the upper sling swivel has been replaced with a smaller custom swivel. The receiver is decorated with bold, semi-relief, Germanic scroll work and features four highly detailed hunting scenes and game animals. Both side plates are engraved with scenes depicting hunters in European dress in alpine settings. A panel on the forward portion of the left side of the receiver depicts a lion in an alpine setting. The forward portion of the right side of the receiver is engraved with a panel that features a brown bear. The engraving is intricate and well executed. The stock wrists have relief carved, scaled panels in lieu of checkering. The lower third of the stock has a bold relief carved scene that depicts red deer in a forest setting with scrollwork borders. The scene extends around both sides of the stock.
BBL: 27 inch round
Stock: walnut checkered
Gauge: 44 RF
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 107600
Condition: Very good as European custom embellished. The blue finish on the barrel and magazine has aged to a blue-gray patina. The barrel legend is clear. The stock and buttplate have an un-polished and very attractive patina. The engraving on the barrel bands, receiver and buttplate heel is crisp and deep. The fine checkering on the forearm shows moderate handling wear. The scale wrist carvings and the scroll work and game scenes on the balance of the stock are sharp and show only light handling wear. The forearm modification, receiver engraving and relief carving are professionally executed and are fully equal to some of the best 19th Century custom work. This is a unique example of a Winchester Third Model 1866 Musket with high quality, professionally executed, European engraving and relief carving.