The legendary Winchester Model 1866 or "improved Henry" was one of the earliest and most widely used repeating rifles in the American West and saw use in conflicts over land, gold, and other resources on the frontier in the second half of the 19th century in the hands of settlers, Native Americans, outlaws, lawmen, and hunters. It is the direct descendant of the Henry rifle and traces its lineage back to earlier repeaters like the Volcanic. This rifle was manufactured in 1869 as a third model with the serial number stamped in block numerals behind the trigger and the distinctive brass receiver has the more moderately curved shape at the rear when compared to the earlier first and second models. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line Winchester New Haven address/King's improvement patent marking. The rifle is fitted with a German silver blade front sight and folding ladder rear sight graduated to 900 yards. A sling swivel is mounted on the underside of the stock. The sling swivel on the forend cap is absent. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent buttplate containing a four piece cleaning rod.

Very good plus. The barrel and magazine tube retain 20% original blue finish with a smooth brown-gray patina on the balance and some pitting mostly on the barrel towards the muzzle. Traces of original nitre blue remain on the loading gate. 40% of the original case colors remain on the hammer. The fine brass has an attractive mellow appearance, and the receiver has tight fitting side plates. The wood is very good with a number of minor-moderate dings and scratches. Mechanically fine.