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Very Fine Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine

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 Saddle Ring Carbine
The Model 1866 Winchester was essentially a Henry Rifle with improvements invented and patented by Winchester shop Superintendent Nelson King in 1866. The side loading gate, modified magazine and new walnut forearm eliminated the primary defects in the Henry rifle and created the lever action rifle associated with the name "Winchester". This carbine is a Fourth Model manufactured in 1883. The top of the barrel has the later barrel marking: "WINCHESTER'S - REPEATING - ARMS NEW HAVEN. CT. / KING'S- IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29 1866, OCT.16. 1860.", and the breech end and bottom of the cartridge carrier are absent of caliber markings. The carbine features a square base blade sight integral to the barrel, folding carbine rear sight graduated to 900 yards and marked "1873" at the top, screw retained magazine cap, checkered hammer, staple and saddle ring attached to the left side of the frame, (with newer leather strap), and single screw upper tang. mounted with a smooth forearm secured with one barrel band and straight grip stock with crescent buttplate with compartment (cleaning rod not included).
BBL: 20 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 44 RF
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 162003
Condition: Very fine. The barrel retains 70% of the original blue finish mainly in the protected areas and on the breech end, with a smooth brown patina on the balance. The magazine tube retains 40% original blue finish concentrated in the protected area near the barrel. The hammer, lever and buttplate have a smooth dark patina. The frame has a very pleasant aged patina. The 2 in the serial number is factory stamped over the number 1. The wood is also very fine retaining almost all of the original finish and showing some overall scattered minor dings, dents and scratches. The barrel markings are crisp and clear. The action is excellent.