Lot 32: Winchester 1866 Carbine 44 RF

This is an example of a Winchester Model 1866 Saddle Ring Carbine that was manufactured in 1883. The model 1866 was the first firearm built under the Winchester name. The 20 inch round barrel has a blade front sight, two barrel bands and an "1873" marked folding leaf rear sight graduated 2-9 near the breech. The left side of the receiver has a staple-mounted saddle ring. The top of the barrel is marked "WINCHESTER-REPEATING-ARMS NEW HAVEN CT./KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29. 1866.OCTOBER 16. 1860." between the lower barrel band and the rear sight. The carbine has the Fourth Model receiver profile with less drop ahead of the hammer than earlier models. The serial number is located on the lower receiver tang at the rear, another feature of the Fourth Model. The bolt has the correct rimfire firing pin, which has two wedge shaped firing pins (one located on each side of the breech pin collar). The frame has the loading port cover of the indented style which is retained by one screw. Sling swivels are properly mounted on the rear barrel band and on the underside of the buttstock. It has a blue finished barrel and magazine tube, casehardened hammer and lever, brass frame and buttplate and is mounted with an oiled smooth forearm and straight grip stock with carbine buttplate with compartment (cleaning rod absent).

Good as partially refinished (barrel bands and barrel assembly). The barrel and magazine have an attractive smooth brown patina mixed with streaks of original blue finish. The barrel bands retain 70% of the blue finish. The brass frame and buttplate have a very attractive appearance. The hammer and lever retain flashes of original case colors. The wood is very fine showing some minor pressure dents and scratches. Mechanically fine.