Manufactured in 1873, the legendary Model 1866 was essentially a Henry Rifle with improvements invented and patented by Winchester shop Superintendent Nelson King in 1866. As a direct descendant of the Henry rifle, the Model 1866 traces its lineage back to earlier repeaters like the Volcanic, and went on to see heavy use in conflicts related to 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; and is credited for ushering in the era of the repeating arm, making it one of the earliest and most widely used repeating rifles in the American West. Here is your chance to own a high condition example of a Model 1866 rifle! The rifle is a third model with the more moderately curved receiver shape at the rear of the frame and the serial number stamped in block numbers behind the trigger. The 24 inch octagon barrel is fitted with a combination Beach front sight and a folding ladder rear sight graduated to 900 yards. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line Winchester New Haven address and King’s improvement patent date marking. The forend cap, receiver, and buttplate are brass. The buttplate has a trapdoor, and the butt trap contains a four piece cleaning rod. The stock and forearm are straight grain American walnut with an oil finish. Over 170,000 Model 1866s were manufactured but these Winchesters were purchased as working firearms and saw hard use. High condition Winchester Model 1866 rifles are rarely encountered! Provenance: The Greg Lampe Collection

Exceptionally fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain 70% original blue finish with a smooth brown patina on the balance and scattered patches of light pitting. 40% original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. The very fine brass displays a highly attractive mellow appearance. The receiver has tight fitting sideplates. There are a couple small putty filled repairs and a short stress line at the lower tang, otherwise the wood is fine with minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. A well above average condition Winchester Model 1866 rifle that will be a standout piece to any lever action collection.