This example was manufactured in 1876, when the American West was still very much wild. Many legendary firearms are often cited as the "Guns that Won the West", however, there are perhaps no long guns more iconic than the Winchester Model 1866 carbine. These carbines simply have "the look" of having been there when the West was being tamed and were carried for decades on the frontier by lawmen, cowboys, outlaws, Native Americans, gold prospectors, and settlers. This example is a Third Model, with the serial number marked in block digits behind the trigger on the lower tang. The standard two-line address and King's patent marking is on top of the barrel. It is fitted with a blade front sight, integral to the barrel band, a folding two-leaf rear sight, as well as a saddle ring on the left of the receiver. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent buttplate (cleaning rod not included). There is a circled "AOS" monogram cartouche on the left of the stock and another faint "AOS" cartouche on the bottom just behind the lower tang. It is believed that these cartouches indicate being part of a contract for Argentina for either military or police. The "AOS" cartouche is pictured on page 65 of the Winchester Book by George Madis who states that nearly 12,000 Model 1866 Carbines in 135,000-148000 serial number range were sold to Argentina in 1877, with this carbine falling just before that range and likely part of an earlier shipment. The included factory letter lists the carbine as received at the warehouse on 8 September 1876 and shipped on 20 December 1876 in order number 7883. Provenance: The David L. DeLullo Jr. Collection

Good, retains traces of original blue finish in the sheltered areas of the barrel and magazine tube with the balance a mottled brown and grey patina. The frame is very good with attractively aged patina, mostly tight fitting side plates, and some scattered minor dings/dents. The buttplate is also very good. The lightly sanded/reoiled wood is good with a few spots of filler and some scattered minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent.