November 18, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/18/2020
One of the finest condition 1st Model Winchester 1866 rifles to come to auction. Serial number 15056, made in 1867. 24" octagon barrel with full length magazine tube. Chambered in .44 Henry Rimfire. Late Henry style ladder rear sight graduated to 900 yards. German silver blade front sight. 2 line barrel address marked: "HENRY'S-PATENT-OCT.16.1860/KINGS-PATENT-MARCH 29. 1866". Henry style flatside brass frame with Kings Patent side loading port and 17 shot magazine tube. Blue with brass frame and crescent, rifle style buttplate. Case hardened lever and hammer. Deluxe grade select grain varnished walnut stock and forearm. Uncapped chamfered forearm tip. Saddle ring with staple mounted to left side of frame. Serial number 15056 along with correct, small character assembly number "1611" found inside, on left side bottom tang. Serial number 15056 also found on bottom of barrel, within the flute for the magazine tube. Matching serial number 15056 found on inside toe of the buttplate, and inside the top tang slot on the stock. CONDITION: Excellent with the exposed portion of the barrel showing mainly a blue/grey patina with traces of original blue. The protected section of the barrel under the magazine tube and forearm shows nearly all the original heavy blue. Frame and buttplate have an untouched look showing a medium honey color patina. Good traces of original case color on back of the hammer. 5-10% bright original blue on the loading gate. Wood is excellent showing modest wear with most of the original varnish. Small sliver of wood missing on the right front corner of the forearm. Bore is turning dark with strong rifling. Action operates well. Overall an exceptional first Model Winchester 1866 rifle that would be most difficult to improve upon. Unique opportunity to own one of the best. -MKS-
Item Dimensions: L - 44"