September 20th 2015 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/19/2015
Caliber .44 rimfire with a 27" barrel. This is a very good example of an early 3rd Model Winchester 1866 Musket. Standard 27" round barrel, long fore wood, military/carbine style butt stock and sling swivels. The 24" tubular magazine holds seventeen rounds of .44 rimfire ammunition. The serial number is 33082. It was made in 1870 and while unmarked, the serial number is right in the middle of a group of muskets that shipped to the Louisiana State Militia in the 31,000 to 34,000 range. Muskets within this serial range are as identified as possible weapons used in the Battle of Liberty Place, which took place on Canal Street in New Orleans on September 14th, 1874, where a monument now stands. On that date, Democratic paramilitary members of the White League most of them ex-Confederate soldiers, battled with the Metropolitan police and the Louisiana State Militia. This riot stemmed from the 1872 Gubernatorial race, which pitted Democrat John McEvery and Republican William Kellogg. Both claimed victory, but the government supported the Republican Kellogg. As to the rifle condition: all steel parts are a smooth dark chocolate patina with strong barrel legend, original front sight, a period replaced military style two-leaf folding rear sight (not Winchester). The brass frame and buttplate are a deep rich mustard color and are in excellent condition. The lever screw and the two bottom frame screws are burred. Sling swivels are original issue. Loading gate is a mix of blue freckled patina. As to the stocks, the rear stock is in very good condition, albeit slightly shy to metal at wrist, but appears to have its original finish or one that was applied a century ago. Nicely carved and of the period on left side of stock is "Le Duc de Hanes" which translates to "The Duke of Hanes". A preliminary search did not turn up any information on such a person. The original forend has been cut back during the period to just slightly forward of middle barrel band and there is a crack extending from 1" forward of rear barrel band to the frame. Bore shows visible rifling. Perfect action. A handsome Model 1866 musket that, with some more detailed research, may prove to be very historically interesting.