1090

RARE FIRST MODEL WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 FLATSIDE LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
RARE FIRST MODEL WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 FLATSIDE LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
SN 14675. Cal. 45 RF Henry. Extremely rare rifle with 24-1/4" oct bbl, full magazine, German silver Rocky Mtn. front sight and 900 yard Henry ladder rear sight. Top flat has the Henry's & King's Patent address and the magazine band is secured to the bottom side flats with screws & pins as is correct for this early model. Bbl appears to be a modern replacement. Receiver is first type with flat side front panels and the very first style forearm without forend cap having slightly dimpled front edges, secured with a sgl screw entering the right side through brass escutcheons. Left side of receiver has a carbine staple & ring and loading gate is flat. SN is found on left side of lower tang under the wood, inside top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Buttstock appears to be a replacement as the area around the SN in the top tang channel appears to have been modified and the current number stamped in its place. Left side of lower tang also has the assembly number "1595". No additional disassembly was affected to check for other matching numbers. Accompanied by an orig 4-pc brass & iron cleaning rod. Also accompanied by a 2-1/2 page letter from renowned Winchester historian & author, George Madis, wherein he authenticates this rifle. However it is the contention of this cataloger that this rifle was probably created from an orig flatside frame that may or may not have been a carbine to start out with. It appears that the bbl & wood are of modern manufacture and at best are simple replacements. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain a thin artificially aged blue/brown patina with sharp crisp edges and what is believed to be a recently applied bbl address; receiver retains sharp edges with a medium dark artificially aged patina. Forearm has a repaired crack at the left rear top edge, otherwise wood is sound and retains about 50% of modern finish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. Cleaning rod is fine 4-47604 JR138