This is a very nice example Winchester 1866 Lever Action Rifle. This rifle has not been altered or disassembled and shows all the original finish and age appearance that you want to see with a nice original rifle. The Model 1866 Winchester Rifle was essentially a Henry Rifle with improvements such as the modified magazine with the side loading gate, and new walnut forearm, which eliminated the primary defects in the Henry rifle and created a lever action rifle that has been associated with the name "Winchester", and the opening of the Western frontier. The top of the barrel is marked "WINCHESTER'S-REPEATING ARMS, NEW HAVEN. CT./KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29, 1866, OCTOBER 16, 1860". The barrel is fitted with the sporting leaf rear sight with the half-nickel front sight. The elevator is unmarked on the bottom of the elevator and rear of the barrel. The straight grip stock and forearm are oil-finished walnut with the later steel crescent buttplate with a compartment for a cleaning rod (not included).

Very good plus with minor traces of the original blue finish remaining on the barrel and magazine tube with the balance a crisp mixed gray patina finish. The receiver and side plates all retain their original, untouched mustard yellow patina finish with most of the screw heads having that all original untouched look with the old dried oil and dirt around the edges. The stock and forearm are both in very good condition with the stock showing signs of an overcoat of protective varnish having been applied. The forearm does shows some minor handling marks and scratches on the sides. A very nice example of a Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action rifle.