3345

Very Fine Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:7,000.00 USD Estimated At:14,000.00 - 22,500.00 USD
Very Fine Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle
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. It was a much improved version of the Henry, with such improvements as the solid magazine tube, the loading port and the addition of a forearm. They were extremely popular on the frontier west in the post Civil War era and typically saw extremely heavy use. This rifle is a Third Model that was manufactured in 1882 and features a 24" octagon barrel with full tubular magazine, fixed replacement blade front sight and adjustable rear buckhorn sight. The top barrel flat is marked "WINCHESTER'S-REPEATING ARMS, NEW HAVEN. CT. / KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29, 1866, OCTOBER 16, 1860" ahead of the rear sight and the serial number is marked on the lower tang behind the lever. The straight grip stock and forearm are varnished walnut with a steel end cap and crescent buttplate with a compartment for a cleaning rod (cleaning rod not included).
BBL: 24 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 44 RF
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 156631
Condition: Very fine. The barrel retains 75% original thinning blue finish with areas of smooth plum patina and edge wear. The magazine retains 30% original blue finish mainly in the protected area next to the barrel, with a smooth brown patina on the balance. The hammer, lever and buttplate have a smooth silver gray patina showing much of the original casehardening pattern. The receiver has an attractive aged patina. The wood is also very fine. With the exception of a series of small scratches on the lower left side of the stock, there are a few scattered minor dents and handling marks. The barrel marking is crisp and clear. The action is excellent.