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Deluxe, Factory Engraved, Winchester Third Model 1866 Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:9,000.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Deluxe, Factory Engraved, Winchester Third Model 1866 Rifle
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Estimate: $22500 - 30000
This is an engraved Winchester Third Model 1866 rifle that was manufactured in 1870. The rifle has a full octagon barrel, full-length magazine and varnished "X" grade fancy walnut stock and forearm. The barrel has a dovetail mounted front sight with nickel-silver blade and a Henry style, folding leaf rear sight with 900 yard center notch. Factory sling swivels are fitted to the forearm cap and stock. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the two-line legend: "WINCHESTER'S-REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CT./ KING'S-IMPROVEMENt-PATENTED-MARCH 29. 1866. OCT. 16. 1860" ahead of the rear sight. The serial number "38511" is stamped on the lower tang behind the trigger. The left side of the lower receiver tang is stamped "JF" followed by "S" and "XX". The forearm cap receiver and buttplate were silver-plated and factory engraved with Germanic scrollwork on a punch-dot background with open escalloped panels on the forward portions of the frame and side plates. The engraving is very similar to that on Model 1866 Rifle No. 35969 attributed to Conrad F. Ulrich and illustrated on page 71 of "WINCHESTER ENGRAVING" by R.L. Wilson. The highly figured, fancy walnut stock and forearm have a high-polish varnish finish.
BBL: 24 inch
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 44 RF
Finish: blue/silver
Grips:
Serial Number: 38511
Condition: Good. The barrel and magazine have a silver-gray patina with scattered age discoloration. The barrel markings are crisp. Traces of the original silver-plated finish are visible in protected areas of the brass forearm cap, receiver and buttplate. The brass components have an attractive, aged patina. The engraving is deep and crisp. The receiver and buttplate have scattered handling marks and light scratches. The side plate joints are tight. The hammer and loading lever have a silver patina; there is scattered light pitting on the sides of the lever. The stock and forearm are both in good overall condition with moderate handling wear. The initials and date "H M/1882" are crudely carved in the left stock comb in 1/2 inch letters. The stock and forearm were re-varnished long ago. This is a good example of an original, Ulrich pattern engraved, silver-plated, Third Model Winchester 1866 rifle with "XX" fancy walnut stock and forearm.