May 28 & 29, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/28/2020
Manufactured 1872, Winchester Model 1866 Musket with 27" round barrel and 7/8ths magazine. Stud front sight/socket bayonet lug. Ladder adjustable rear sight graduated to 800 yards. Two piece straight grained American walnut stocks with two retaining bands on forearm and musket pattern buttplate made of gunmetal brass with trap for cleaning rod. The gunmetal brass frame is profusely engraved in the L.D. Nimschke pattern of bordered scroll and vine with a distinct panel on both sides of a geometric cross hatch design. Belly of frame is engraved with similar patterns of scrolls on cartridge elevator and geometric patterns just forward of lever. The buttplate is uniquely engraved is a diamond pattern with faded background. Top of receiver and area surrounding the hammer are relief carved with a shaded background. The buttstock is marked with the AOS cartouche within a flowing ribbon that is identified to Argentina. Small (CS) inspection to rear of trigger as well as (J) inspection over chamber on barrel. Little is known about the Argentine marked Winchesters as most are 1866 carbines and another 1866 musket has arisen several years ago but was not engraved. Believed to be New York engraved and possibly a presentation piece with the hopes of landing a larger contract within the South American market. CONDITION: Barrel and magazine retain over 95% bright factory blue finish with light peppering and some patina. The gunmetal brass frame has a mellow mustard color as does the butt plate. The wood stocks have been very lightly sanded and refinished but remain full sized and the cartouche still evident. A unique musket with Argentine association. TDW
Caliber/Bore
.44 Henry Rimfire