Miniature firearms have been around for centuries. It is said that to become a master craftsman in Europe young craftsmen had to produced scale miniatures to the satisfaction of their masters in order to earn the title of master themselves. They would take these "masterpieces" with them on sales trips to impress potential clients. Many powerful world leaders are said to have been or are currently collectors of miniature arms including Vladimir Putin. The glass topped display case's plaque is marked "MADE EXPRESSLY FOR/[blank inscription area]/WINCHESTER MODEL 1866./BY TOM P. WESTON/MEXICO D.F." The interior is fitted to the gun and has recesses for ammunition. The miniature is a fully functional scale Model 1866 and is designed to fire .22 short ammunition. The rifled barrel is marked with the two-line Winchester address and King's improvement patent marking. The lower tang has "No. 4" behind the trigger and "TOM P. WESTON/MEXICO D.F." It has a blade front sight and folding leaf rear sight. The left side of the action has a saddle ring and stud. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and a Mexican coat of arms themed carved buttstock. The buttplate has a trap containing a three piece cleaning rod. Tom P. Weston is well known for his incredible miniatures produced in Mexico City in the 1950s and 1960s.

Very fine as custom made. There are only some minor handling and storage marks overall and spots of minor discoloration on the brass. The forearm and stock have attractive creamy tones. There are a couple of long age cracks on the buttstock. The action functions fine. The case is very good with minor storage marks. The level of skill and patience required to produce miniatures like this is exceptional. Only a select few artisans have mastered this craft and these miniatures continue to go up in value.