This very scarce Winchester Model 1866 flat side carbine features highly desirable early features: the Henry and King patent dates barrel marking ("HENRY'S PATENT-OCT. 16. 1860/KING'S PATENT-MARCH 29. 1866," faint), flat loading port cover and "Henry Drop" receiver. The upper tang has two screws, an early production feature. The left side of the tang, buttstock, and buttplate have the serial number "13994," which dates to 1866 or the first year of production. The left side of tang also is assembly number stamped "932" in smaller numbers. The front sight blade is integral to the front barrel band. The rear sight is a two position leaf. The left side of the receiver has the original factory installed staple and saddle ring. The magazine tube has the early threaded cap correctly without a screw. The barrel, magazine, barrel bands, and loading gate are blued. The hammer, lever, and trigger are casehardened. The buttstock and forearm are walnut. In "The Winchester Book" by author George Madis on page 57 he estimated that the total number of First Model 1866s manufactured was approximately 3,500 guns, equally divided between rifles and carbines. He further estimated that the survival rate for these early Winchesters was about 25% and that "less than 875" First Model 1866 rifles and carbines were available to collectors.

Very good. The barrel and magazine have a brown-gray appearance with traces of blue in the protected areas. The brass frame has an attractive color, and the receiver has tight fitting side plates. The refinished wood is very good with a coat of varnish, crack at the toe, and few missing slivers. Mechanically fine.