This is an example of a Model 1866 Winchester Rifle that was manufactured in late 1869. "The Winchester model 1866, with the magazine side loading gate, and new walnut forearm eliminated the primary defects in the Henry rifle and created a lever action rifle synonymous with Winchester and the opening of the Western frontier. This is probably an early third model rifle that still retains the more gradual receiver drop ahead of the hammer but still retains the script style serial numbers located directly behind the trigger. The top of the barrel has the Second Model barrel markings "WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS NEW HAVEN CT./KING'S- IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29 1866, OCT.16 1860" (which has been nicely restamped). The rifle has the desirable early/intermediate features that include: (1) threaded magazine cap, (2) recessed chamber, (3) early round top, folding sporting rear sight, (4) third pattern indented loading gate held by one screw, (5) second pattern squared brass forend tip secured by a single screw, (6) fourth pattern fine knurled hammer with the double line undercut and half-cock notch, (7) small size loading lever, and (8) the early unaltered rimfire style firing pin. The brass receiver is flared at the junction with the forearm and the stock is retained by a single upper tang screw, and as noted it has the script style serial number located on the lower tang directly behind the trigger. The crescent brass buttplate has a hinged trap with a matching serial number "7985" stamped on the back. The rifle has a blue barrel, magazine tube, rear sight, bolt and loading gate. It is fitted with a walnut stock and forearm, with factory sling swivels on the lower buttstock and forend cap.

Very good overall with brown patina finish on the barrel and magazine tube, with the balance a gray patina and also showing some rounding of the barrel flats mixed with some minor light pitting. The receiver and side plates have a nice old aged mustard yellow patina color overall with the front section of the receiver (on both sides) showing some old light cleaning of the brass which has also aged slightly. The forend and stock are both in fine condition with minor handling marks, scratches and light pressure dents overall (more on the forend) which also shows some old varnish touch up on the sides. The revarnished buttstock retains half of its varnish with wood to metal fit still being very good with the wood having shrunk slightly from age. A very nice early Winchester Model 1866 lever action rifle.