Manufactured in 1870. This Winchester Model 1866 rifle was factory embellished by renowned Master Engraver John Ulrich. Ulrich has signed his work on the left side of the upper tang: "JU." John Ulrich was a master engraver at Winchester from about 1869 to 1920, and most of the signed engraved masterpieces during that period bear his signature. The receiver features fine engraved floral scrollwork on a dot background. There are blank inscription panels on both side panels. flourishes of scrollwork are featured on the forend cap and buttplate tang. The barrel is fitted with a blade front sight and a fixed notch rear sight and has the two-line address/King's patent dates marking on the top flat ahead of the rear sight. The barrel, magazine tube, hammer, lever, and trigger are all custom chrome plated. The serial number on the lower tang is inside an engraved panel. Mounted on nicely figure smooth walnut straight grip stock and forearm. The left side of the lower tang is marked "39 B OXX." Sling swivels are attached on the underside of the forend cap and buttstock. A similar John Ulrich signed and engraved Model 1866, which is about 1,600 serial numbers before this rifle, is documented in Wilson's "Winchester Engraving" on page 132, and the "J.U." engraved initials are identified as Ulrich's early signature before he used a stamped signature.

Fine, retaining refinished nickel finish with minor pitting. The brass is fine with attractive appearance, tight fitting sideplates, crisp engraving. The re-varnished wood is fair with crudely repaired damage to stock toe. The buttplate screw is a replacement. Mechanically fine. Works by Master Engraver John Ulrich are rarely encountered.