September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/10/2024
1866 marked an important turning point in the Winchester story, the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. forming from the New Haven Arms Co. in May. Adopting the Kings Improvement, production of the famed Henry ceased somewhere after serial number 14,000. Madis notes production of the improved Model 1866 began around serial number 12476 with a total of 2337 produced that year, including this example with early 14765 serial number. Classic early configuration with carbine length round barrel with band front sight and fixed buckhorn rear. No address is visible, as many were stuck lightly at the factory. Full length magazine tube with early thread in plug, retained by a pair of barrel bands. Iconic first model flatside brass receiver with Henry drop along the hammer, 2 tang screws, and no forward bevel. Loading gate is of the earliest, flat style retained by 2 screws. Lever appears to be a replacement and does not catch on the latch. Later style slotted bolt. Standard walnut carbine forend. Straight grip walnut stock stamped in the stock channel with the full matching serial number. Replacement brass Henry style crescent butt plate numbered internally "522". Stock screws also largely appear to be replacements. CONDITION: Good. Barrel and magazine tube display a mottled silvery patina, having been cleaned long ago, with areas of pitting. Frame likewise appears cleaned with scattered marks, now taking on a mellowing patina. Forend has some scattered impressions, retaining a nice age darkened appearance. Butt stock has been lightly sanded and reoiled with impressions throughout. Dark, abraded bore with visible rifling. Good mechanics. Only around 3,500 of these first model 1866 were produced with a survival rate estimated by Madis at only around 25% making them scarce in any condition and an important addition to any Winchester collection.