June 25-28, 2018 Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/25/2018
Full octagon barrel marked with "WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS NEW HAVEN CT / KINGS IMPROVEMENT PATENT MARCH 29, 1866 OCTOBER 16, 1860". Front sight is standard front sight with a 900 ladder rear sight. Forearm cap sports a sling swivel as does the bottom of buttstock. Brass receiver in a medium to dark patina color with side plates which look as thought they have not been removed in a long time. Loading gate is of nitre blue. Hammer, trigger, and lever are case colored. Bottom tang has an "X" marked right beside the wood screw. Wood nicely figured and is marked with one "X" on bottom tang, buttplate and stock are all matching numbers. Buttplate is also of a dark mustard color. Screw heads indicating very little turning. This stunning 1866 rifle is one of the finest untouched examples observed to date. Octagon barrel retains 95-96% original blue as does full length magazine and magazine guide ring. Receiver retains a medium mustard colored look with sideplates looking as though they have never been removed. Loading gate has 95% of its bright nitre blue remaining. All screw heads in fine to very fine condition. Hammer retains 85-95% case color with lever showing case colors only in protected areas, balance a light patina. Trigger is also of a light patina. Stock of a high piano finish with light surface scratches and a few impressions. No chips of wood missing or cracks appearing around tangs. Bore is bright and shiny with only one small spot of surface pitting. Cycles properly, mechanics are fine. From the Ray Bentley Collection. CORRECTION: It has come to our attention that the barrel and magazine tube have a restored blue finish.