July 30th 2016 Premier Firearms Sale (20)
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/30/2016
20" barrel in .44 rimfire caliber. According to the factory research, this rifle was received in warehouse on January 24th, 1877 as a carbine. It was changed to nickel and engraved and shipped from warehouse on March 24th, 1877. The buttstock was removed and the assembly No. 997 can be seen on the left lower tang. This same number is stamped in the top tang of the wood. It is also stamped on the lower inside toe of the buttplate (the '7' has been stamped twice). There are no signs of any engraver's signature. The frame features nearly complete engraving and is done in the scroll pattern with the stippled background. This engraving extends to the upper tang, top of frame, and top of chamber. The breech of the barrel is engraved, as is the barrel band, and top of buttplate. Most of the engraving on the 1866 Winchesters is attributed to L.D. Nimschke or his team. The forward panel of the frame features the center diamond style that can be seen in R.L. Wilson's book "Winchester Engraving" on page 40. These panels have a nearly identical design done in slightly different style. The main body of the frame has flowing scrollwork and stippled background with a pattern that looks more of the Ulrich shop. It appears as if the only areas of the gun not nickel plate was the hammer, which still has traces of case colors, and the blued loading gate which is now a blue-brown soft patina. All other parts including trigger, lever, and buttplate were also nickel plated. Has the standard barrel band front sight with single leaf folding rear. The tube retains most of its original nickel plating on both sides with age patina on bottom and tip. The barrel tube retains virtually all of the nickel plating on both sides, as well as large areas on top with alternating areas of brown patina. The nickel plating over the brass frame retains approximately 70% original factory nickel mixed nicely with exposed brass for a very homogenous look. Engraving is sharp. You will see areas of browning on bottom of lever. Walnut forend is excellent with no visible cracks. Walnut buttstock is excellent with a 1" hairline repaired crack at wrist on both sides. There are also a couple of light initials carved into right side of stock, and a few of the usual abrasions. Saddle ring and stud are present. Wood to metal fit is just slight shy. The wood was freshened up at one time. Fluid visible rifling with typical black powder abrasion. Overall, a very handsome factory engraved and documented special order Model 1866 carbine retaining at least 70% of the original nickel finish. Special order engraved 66 carbines are among the most prized of any early Winchesters, and this example would be a highlight in any gun collection.