April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
Manufactured in 1870 during the turbulent period of western expansion and the high point of the Indian War. The iconic 1866 Winchester Saddle Ring Carbine or the "Yellowboy" as it was affectionately known was a treasured piece of equipment used by frontiersmen and westward expansionist alike. These carbines were hard used and spent most of their useful lives out in the weather and at the ready. This early carbine with its 20" barrel and still chambered for the original .44 rimfire cartridge and not later converted to centerfire as so many were is mounted with two piece American walnut stocks with crescent buttplate with trap for cleaning rod. Sight mounted front barrel band and early two position flip rear sight. The gunmetal brass frame has saddle ring attachment with ring. CONDITION: Good as offered with the barrel and magazine tube having turned a very honest and pleasant chocolate brown patina. The gunmetal brass receiver and buttplate have a fine mustard yellow patina and typical small period nick and impressions. The two piece walnut stocks are good with the forearm showing period wear from carry or possible scabbard wear and small amount of material loss at forend tip. The buttstock has evidence of earlier refinishing and a splice at the toe and a wood filled area to rear of lower tang (possibly from a sling swivel). These repairs are quite old and are just part of the history of the gun. The butt is slightly undersized from this earlier work. The bore is rather dark but has very strong rifling. The action operates smoothly and properly. The carbine presents itself very well and could possibly tell a great many tales of earlier western life.
Model
1866 Saddle Ring Carbine