GUN SPRING 2018
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/21/2018
EXTRAORDINARY INVESTMENT QUALITY WINCHESTER EARLY SECOND MODEL HENRY MARKED 1866 RIFLE.WINCHESTER18661498744Cal. 44. 24" bbl. Address on bbl reads "Henry's Patent October 16, 1860 / King's Patent March 29, 1866". Late Henry rear sight is original. Brass frame is untouched w/sharp corners. SN is on upper channel of stock and lower left side of tang. SN is the same as the assembly line number. Buttplate matches stock and stock matches to receiver. Superb feather crotch American walnut both on the stock and forearm. Saddle ring and stud in receiver, although it is a rifle with a full crescent buttplate. Case colored hammer and lever are a dark patina as is trigger. PROVENANCE: The spectacular collections of Ray Bentley featuring the finest and rarest deluxe antique Winchesters in the world. CONDITION: Extraordinarily Fine. Bbl is 60-70% blue with the balance turning a dark patina. Magazine tube is about 40-50% with the balance turning patina. Receiver with wonderful untouched mustard patina. Sharp edges in corners all around on the left side as well as the right side. All screw heads are unmarred and appear unturned. Loading gate is 60% nitre blue with the balance turning patina. Hammer is dark patina with dark case coloring. The lever retains case color in protected areas only with the balance turning patina. Slight crack in the upper tang channel of the stock going down to the bottom of the tang. No wood or chips are missing from stock or the crack. Wood to metal fit is excellent. Buttplate is very good to excellent with a deep mustard color overall, this would indicate a very little used. Small crack on forearm next to the receiver. Front portion of the forearm on the right side has a very fine unobjectionable crack. Finish on left side of stock would rate 96% overall with a few light impressions indicated with the one crack evident that was mentioned. Right side of stock has no cracks and would rate a 96% finish remaining with a few impressions and light scratches. Cycles correctly. Beautiful bore and rifling. A superb and important 1866 rifle from one of the greatest collections of Winchesters ever assembled. 53091-18 MS (65,000-95,000)