This Winchester Model 1866 rifle was manufactured in 1870 and decorated with highly detailed relief engraving on the forearm cap, receiver and buttplate. Although the rifle is not signed externally, the engraving was probably executed by Conrad Ulrich and represents some of his most elaborate work. The right side of the receiver has three separate game scenes. The central scene on the sideplate apparently is an illusion to Greek mythology and depicts a nude seated upon a lion. A smaller scene to the rear of the sideplate depicts a grazing African antelope while the forward portion of the receiver depicts a relief-engraved elk. A hound is engraved in the scrollwork above the loading gate. An identical elk is relief-engraved on the left front of the receiver. The left sideplate and the rear portion of the receiver feature a stampeding herd of six bison. The receiver scenes are are surrounded by elaborate relief-engraved borders and tight scrollwork on a punch-dot background. The brass receiver, forearm cap and crescent buttplate have a gold washed finish. The octagon barrel, full length magazine, hammer, pointed special trigger and lever are nickel plated. Factory sling loops are mounted on the stock and forearm. The barrel has a dovetail mounted front sight and Henry style folding leaf rear sight with rounded top and 800 yard center notch. The buttplate has a Henry style hinged trap. The stock and forearm are fancy grade walnut. 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. 1866. OCTOBER 16. 1860." in two lines ahead of the rear sight. The serial number, "79926" is stamped in block numerals behind the trigger surrounded by engraved flourishes.

Very good. The rifle retains 20% of the gold washed and 30% nickel plated finish. Traces of the delicate gold washed finish remain on protected areas of the receiver, forearm cap and buttplate. The balance of the brass components have a very attractive, untouched, patina. The highly detailed engraving remains deep and crisp. The nickel plated finish on the barrel, magazine, hammer, trigger and lever is flaked and the metal surfaces show scattered pitting. The rear sight leaf has been repaired, and the front sight blade is missing. The stock and forearm are in good overall condition with most of the wear confined to the forearm. The upper edges of both sides of the forearm are chipped at the junction with the receiver and there is a gap between the front edges of the forearm and the forearm cap. The stock has a number of minor handling marks but is in good overall condition. The elaborate relief engraving is in fine condition. This is an outstanding example of a Winchester Model 1866 with unique and very elaborate factory panel scene engraving that rivals the best Ulrich engraved Winchesters.