Manufactured in 1872, this is a desirable example of a martially inspected Winchester Model 1866 lever action musket. The faint script letter cartouche ("GHJ") is stamped on the left side of the buttstock. The Winchester Model 1866 musket was not documented to have ever been obtained by the U.S. military, but was sold to foreign militaries (France, Turkey, Mexico and Prussia). The cartouche, which is inside a ribbon, is similar to "AOS" cartouches found on Argentine proofed 1866 carbines in the 135,000 to 148,000 serial number range. According to noted Winchester expert George Madis, "To date, no concrete evidence has appeared to explain the meaning of [AOS] markings." The same can be said about the cartouche found on this musket. This example is also stamped with "CS&S" behind the serial number on the lower tang and has been embellished with near full coverage engraving on the receiver. The engraving features floral, border, and cross-hatched motifs and has been beautifully executed by a talented artisan. The top of the barrel has the standard two-line address/King's patent marking, "J" marked at the breech, and the serial number is on the lower tang. It is fitted with a block blade front sight and folding ladder rear sight. It is mounted with a smooth musket length forearm and straight grip stock with a military style buttplate, and there are sling swivels on the middle barrel band and bottom of the stock.

Fine, the barrel showing a mixture of period refinished blue and plum brown patina with some light speckling of surface oxidation throughout, while the crisp receiver shows a mellow aged tone to the brass with crisp engraving. The refinished wood is also fine with some scattered minor dings throughout and a hairline crack in the wrist. Mechanically excellent.