This is an example of a Winchester Model 1866 Carbine that was manufactured in 1869. These early 1866 carbines were always very popular with frontiersman and saw extensive use due to their compact nature and new rapid fire lever action mechanism. This example is actually in very nice condition overall for an early version and retains all of its original yellow-mustard colored patina finish on the receiver and both sides plates. The top of the barrel has the second pattern marking "WINCHESTER'S REPEATING-ARMS. NEWHAVEN. CT./KING'S IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29 1866 OCTOBER 16. 1860." in two lines between the lower barrel band and the rear sight. The left side of the receiver is stamped in a half-circle "A. Kayssem" (history unknown) with the correct sling swivel and staple on the rear edge. This carbine has the third pattern hammer with the coarse knurling and no borders and it is fitted with the small loading lever. The rear sight is the correct late pattern that is graduated from 0-20 and is mounted in front of the receiver ring and it has the first pattern front sight mounted on top of the barrel band and the early style threaded magazine cap. The serial number, "39765" is stamped on the lower receiver tang behind the trigger and there is a small "B" directly behind the serial number. Has the standard forend with a walnut stock and a crescent brass buttplate.

Good as period refinished with the exposed steel surfaces having an artificial gray patina, mixed with some old areas of very fine pin-prick pitting on the barrel. The markings are clear and visible and there is an old repair to the front sight/barrel band. The receiver has a mustard-yellow patina overall. The slightly undersize stock and forend are both in good condition having an old, old cleaning and revarnishing with some minor sanding around the edges of the metal areas. The action hand cycles correctly and smoothly, however the hammer does not stay cocked and it is missing the face of the breechbolt with a crude replacement extractor. A solid representative example of a Winchester Model 1866 saddle ring "Yellow Boy" carbine.