This is a very fine example of a nice old untouched Winchester 1866 third model lever action rifle as manufactured in the beginning of 1874. The Model 1866 Winchester Rifle was probably one of the more successful Winchester rifles ever produced, since it really ushered in the new age of repeating rifles which created a lever action rifle that has always been associated with the name "Winchester" and the opening of the Western frontier. These desirable rifles were in use from 1866 until the early 1900s and are a cornerstone of any advance Winchester Rifle collection. This model was basically an improved Henry Repeating Rifle that featured the new side loading gate and walnut forearm, which eliminated the primary defects in the Henry rifle. This example has a full octagon barrel and magazine tube with the noted side mounted loading gate and rare factory installed sling swivels, a rare and expensive feature for this date of manufacture. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the two-line legend "WINCHESTER'S-REPEATING-ARMS. NEW HAVEN.CT./KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29.1865. OCTOBER 16.1860". The rear of the barrel is fitted with a second style folding leaf rear sight with external retaining spring and a sporting style half nickel silver blade front sight. The serial number "120735" is stamped on the lower tang behind the trigger. This rifle has a straight grain black walnut stock and forearm with a varnish finish. As noted the stock and forend cap feature factory mounted sling swivels. The stock is fitted with a brass crescent buttplate that has a hinged trapdoor with the butt trap containing a correct four piece jointed steel cleaning rod with brass tip.

Very good with traces of the blue finish remaining on the barrel in the protected areas with the brass receiver and side plate showing a nice attractive aged brass patina color. The stock and forend are also very good with minor handling marks, scratches and light pressure dents from years of use and handling. The wood to metal is fine. This is a nice looking early production Winchester 1866 rifle.