Manufactured in 1879, this is an attractive example of a Winchester Model 1866 rifle. Few firearms, besides perhaps the Colt Single Action Army revolver, are more indelibly linked with the "Wild West" and the American Frontier than the Winchester Model 1866. These Model 1866 rifles and their decedents were highly valued on the American frontier for decades by any depending on firepower for survival. Often seeing hard use in the wilds of the American West, these 1866s are rarely found in high condition like this example. Nicknamed the "improved Henry", the Model 1866 was essentially an updated version of the iconic Henry rifle. The most notable improvement featured on the Model 1866 was the new loading gate on the side of the receiver and the enclosed magazine tube, a system which was designed by Winchester factory superintendent Nelson King, whose basic design carried on through essentially the whole line of iconic Winchester lever actions. The included factory letter lists this gun as a carbine when received at the warehouse on 13 December 1879, that it was changed to an octagon barrel on 23 February 1880, and that it was shipped on 25 February 1880. This example is a fourth model featuring an iron buttplate instead of brass, a serial number stamped in script, and an even less pronounced drop at the top rear of the frame as compared to proceeding models. These fourth models are found starting in the 149000 serial number range and carried on until the end of production c. 1898. The top barrel flat is marked with the standard two-line address and King's patent markings. The serial number is marked in stamped script on the lower tang behind the lever latch. The left side of the lower tang is marked with "69", "52", and "1278". The assembly number "52" is repeated in the stock inlet and inside the buttplate. It is fitted with set of standard "sporting" sights featuring a German silver blade front and elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight. The left side of the receiver has two visibly filled holes where the saddle ring staple was prior to being factory converted to rifle configuration just before shipment. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent buttplate (cleaning rod not included).

Fine, retains 75% plus of the professionally restored blue finish on the barrel and magazine tube with the balance thinning to show some plum brown patina. The brass of the receiver is attractively aged and the sideplates fit tight. There are patterns of the original case colors on the hammer and lever, and the loading gate has 40% of the original nitre blue. The wood is very fine with some scattered light handling marks. Mechanically excellent.