Winchester Model 1866 Saddle Ring Carbine manufactured in 1871, engraved and signed by L.D. Nimschke and carried by photographer William Illingworth on the famous Custer Black Hills Expedition of 1874 that discovered gold in Dakota Territory. The carbine features deluxe New York scroll and border engraving on the receiver and buttplate heel. A panel on the left side of the receiver is inscribed: "Wm. H. Illingworth/St. Paul, Mn./1873" in three lines. The bottom of the receiver is signed "LDN" in a ribbon surrounded by scrollwork. The carbine has a staple mounted saddle ring on the left side of the receiver and single tang screw. The barrel has the early magazine cap with no screw, first style barrel band with integral front sight blade and two position carbine rear sight. The stock is fitted with a sling swivel and has a brass carbine style buttplate with sliding brass trap. The trap contains a three-piece steel cleaning rod with brass tip. The stock and forearm are straight grain American walnut. The barrel is roll-stamped; WINCHESTER'S REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CT./KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29. 1866. OCT. 16. 1860." in two lines between the barrel band and the rear sight. The serial number "103751" is stamped on the lower tang behind the trigger. The assembly number "7678" is stamped on the left side of the lower tang and in the upper stock inlet. The carbine is accompanied by a silver cased Watham pocket watch with bullseye crystal and gold hands. The inside of the back cover is pantograph inscribed in script: "Wm. H. Illingworth/St. Paul, AD 1874". William Illingworth was an English immigrant who settled in St. Paul. He accompanied the 1866 Fisk Montana Expedition as a photographer. In 1874 he was selected to photograph the Custer Black Hills Expedition and produced 70 photographic plates during the course of the expedition.

Fair. The carbine has been partially restored in the past and has a replacement magazine tube, double-stamped barrel address and refinished stock and forearm. The front band screw has been replaced by a rivet. The brass receiver and buttplate have been cleaned and polished. The barrel has a silver-gary patina with scattered pitting between the barrel bands. There is light pitting on the lever and trigger. The sling swivel is a period addition that may have been added for the Black Hills Expedition. The intricate and flawlessly executed engraving on the receiver and buttplate is deep and sharp. The stock and forearm have been heavily varnished but remain in good overall condition. The watch shows heavy wear and requires repair but has an intact crystal. This is a historic, L.D. Nimschke signed and engraved Winchester Model 1866 Carbine and pocket watch carried on the famous 1874 Custer Black Hills Expedition.