Lot 46: Winchester 1866 Rifle 44 RF

The Winchester Model 1866 has earned itself a noted place in American western history. Thousands were carried to the Great Plains and beyond by intrepid American pioneers and were relied upon for defense and hunting. The "Yellow Boy" (nickname usually referring to saddle ring carbines) was also popular among the Native Americans already living on the plains and several were used during the Battle of Little Bighorn. The '66 secured Winchester's place in the annals of the West and launched a long line of successful Winchester lever actions that remain popular to this day and still retain the basic form of the '66. This Model 1866 was manufactured in 1876 and has the serial number marked in block numerals behind the trigger. It is equipped with a German silver blade front sight and an elevation adjustable sporting rear sight. The barrel has the standard two line address and King's improvement marking. The right side of the frame has "M. DAVIS/1884" lightly hand scratched. It has the standard smooth stock and forearm with "gunmetal" furniture. The trapdoor compartment in the stock is empty. The rifle was never fitted with sling swivels.

Very good. The barrel and magazine tube have a mottled brown patina with some light oxidation. The receiver has an attractive aged patina overall. The side plates are slightly different tones than the other components. The wood is good with the exception of a large chip at the buttplate tang and a faint crack along the right side of the lower tang. Otherwise, there is only the usual small chips, dings and light scratches from use. The action functions fine, although the lever falls when the catch is not engaged. The markings are clear.