This Winchester Model 1866 rifle was manufactured in 1881. The rifle has the Fourth Model receiver profile and serial number roll-stamped on the lower tang behind the lever latch. The rifle has a full-octagon barrel and full-length magazine. The barrel has a dove-tail mounted sporting style front sight and a buckhorn sporting style rear sight. The upper tang is factory drilled and tapped for a rear sight. The stock has a crescent steel buttplate with sliding brass trap door. The hammer spur has bordered impressed knurling. The barrel, magazine and forearm cap are blued and the hammer, trigger, lever and crescent buttplate are casehardened. The stock and forearm are straight grain American walnut. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "WINCHESTER'S-REPEATING-ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CT./KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16. 1860." in two lines ahead of the rear sight. The serial number "158676" is stamped in script numerals on the lower tang between the lever latch and the tang screw.

Fine. The rifle is all original and retains at least 20% of the original blue and casehardened finish in protected areas. The barrel and magazine have aged to a smooth dark brown patina with traces of blue finish visible in protected areas. The case colors on the forearm cap, hammer, lever and crescent buttplate have a mottled brown patina. The brass receiver has a very attractive untouched mustard yellow patina with tight side plate joints and minimal handling wear. Traces of niter blue finish are present on the loading gate. The stock and forearm both are in fine condition with scattered minor handling marks. The barrel legend and serial number are clear. This is a fine example of a Winchester Fourth Model 1866 rifle.