The Model 1866 was the first firearm to be built under the Winchester name after the New Haven Arms Company changed its name to Winchester Repeating Arms Company in 1866. It was a much improved version of the Henry, with improvements such as the solid magazine tube, the loading port and the addition of a forearm. They were extremely popular on the Frontier West in the post Civil War era and typically saw extremely heavy use. This rifle is a Third Model that was manufactured in 1872 and features a 24 inch octagon barrel with full tubular magazine, fixed front sight and adjustable rear semi-buckhorn rifle sight. 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 serial number is marked on the lower tang behind the trigger. The straight grip stock and forearm are varnished select grade walnut with a brass forend cap and the earlier brass crescent buttplate with a compartment for a cleaning rod. An original four piece cleaning rod is included.

Very good. The metal surfaces have a smooth brown patina. The attractive receiver and buttplate have a natural untouched aged patina. The wood is very good with some scattered minor dents and dings. The rear sight spring and elevation slide are absent. The markings are clear. The action is fine.