Winchester Third Model 1866 rifle manufactured in 1876 with factory engraving, gold-washed brass receiver and crescent buttplate and semi-deluxe, nicely figured walnut stock and forearm. The rifle has the Third Model features which include moderately curved receiver profile and the serial number "129943" stamped in block letters behind the trigger. The receiver, forearm cap and buttplate heel are factory engraved with Germanic scrollwork on a punch-dot background. Both side plates are engraved with small circular game scenes. The left side of the receiver features unusual cross-hatching between the scroll-work and has an embedded wolf head in the scroll-work behind the game scene. The engraving on the left side of the rifle is very similar to the engraving on the Model 1866 Musket serial number 134957 and the Model 1866 rifle, serial number 128455, illustrated on pages 77 and 78 of "The Book of Winchester Engraving" by R.L. Wilson. Both rifles are identified by Wilson as Ulrich engraved rifles. The rifle has a full octagon barrel with full-length magazine. The barrel has a standard sporting style front sight with nickel-silver blade and a folding leaf rear sight with external spring, vee-top leaf and 900 yard center notch. Factory sling swivels are mounted on the forearm cap and stock. The crescent buttplate has a Henry style hinged trapdoor and the butt trap contains a four-piece, jointed steel cleaning rod with brass tip. 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 rifle is accompanied by an evaluation letter by Rob Kassab of "RareWINCHESTERScom".

Very good as partially refinished (wood and magazine tube). The rifle retains traces of the original blue and gold-plated finish. The blue finish on the barrel has aged to a very attractive plum patina. The magazine tube is refinished with an artificial brown. The metal surfaces are smooth, the edges are sharp and the barrel legend is crisp. The receiver has considerable gold wash finish in protected areas while the brass forearm cap and buttplate have a good looking patina. The case colors on the hammer, trigger and lever have aged to a deep brown patina. The semi-deluxe walnut stock and forearm have been revarnished and are in very good condition with a few scattered minor handling marks. This is a good looking example of a scarce Ulrich factory engraved Third Model Winchester 1866 rifle.