This deluxe factory engraved Winchester Model 1866 lever action rifle was manufactured in 1870. This deluxe rifle has a gold plated receiver engraved with three panel scenes on the left side, two games scenes and an open panel on the right side, surrounded by Germanic scrollwork on a punch-dot background. The engraving extends to the forearm cap, bottom of the cartridge elevator and buttplate heel. The engraving is not signed but was probably executed by Conrad Ulrich. The rifle has a full octagon barrel and full length magazine. The barrel has a sporting style front sight with nickel silver blade and a Henry style folding leaf rear sight. Special order factory sling swivels are fitted on the forearm cap and stock. The crescent brass buttplate has a hinged trap and the upper tang is drilled and tapped. The barrel and magazine are blued. The hammer, lever and trigger are color casehardened, and the brass ("gunmetal") forearm cap, receiver and buttplate are gold plated. The stock and forearm are nicely figured, fancy grain walnut. The stock grade "XX" is stamped on the left side of the lower receiver tang. 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." ahead of the rear sight. The serial number "79864" is stamped on the lower receiver tang and enclosed in a hand engraved double line banner.

Very good. The rifle is all original and retains traces of the gold plated finish in protected areas. The barrel and magazine have a dark, mottled brown patina. The surfaces of the barrel and magazine are generally smooth. The barrel legend is light but legible. The case colors on the hammer and trigger have a brown patina. The brass forearm cap, receiver and buttplate have an attractive aged patina and retain significant amounts of the gold plated finish in protected areas. The detailed game scenes and meticulously executed scrollwork are crisp. The fancy grain walnut stock and forearm remain in good condition. There are several period, barely noticeable, repairs in the stock wrist. This is a good example of a rare, exhibition quality, Ulrich factory engraved Winchester Model 1866 lever action rifle.