Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout us
Log InCreate Account
Rock Island Auction CompanyRock Island Auction Company
Contact us
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
Locations
Bedford, TX
3600 Harwood RoadBedford, Texas 76021, USA
Rock Island, IL
7819 42nd Street WestRock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
Hours
Monday - Friday8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Navigation
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout usAccount
More Info
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyJob postings & CareersOrder a catalogContact
Social media
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
Disconnected
Unable to connect to live update server, attempting reconnection. If this persists, please try refreshing your browser.
Disconnected state indicated by at top of page. If you cannot see this icon, you are connected.
Rock Island Auction Company
Hello.
Please Log In, or .

Home
Auctions
Consignment
Latest
FAQ
About us

  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 15

Lot 15:Winchester First Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle

December 2nd, 2016|Rock Island, IL
  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 15

Lot 15:Winchester First Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle

December 2nd, 2016|Rock Island, IL
Price Realized:
Login to viewLogin to view
Price obfuscated
Estimated Price$20,000 - $30,000
Log In to use Wishlists
Share

Winchester First Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle Documented in Madis Book with Letter

Manufactured in 1867 and subsequently restored bock to the first configuration. This rifle is illustrated and described on page 58 of "The Winchester Book" by George Madis. The rifle is accompanied by a detailed, five-page, evaluation by Madis that concludes the rifle is all original, is one an estimated 50 surviving First Model 1866 Rifles and remains in "truly outstanding" condition. (We do not agree with his assessment!) The rifle has the distinctive brass receiver and crescent buttplate with blued octagon barrel and full-length magazine, casehardened hammer, lever and trigger; and burl grain walnut stock and forearm. The left side of the receiver has a factory staple-mounted saddle ring. The hammer has coarse, borderless knurling and does not have a half-cock feature. The buttplate has a hinged trapdoor, and the butt-trap contains a four-piece, steel cleaning rod with brass tip. The rifle has the distinctive First Model features which include: receiver with "Henry Drop" and no flare at the junction with the forearm, two tang screws, screw-fastened magazine retaining band, un-capped forearm with chamfered tip and single brass retaining screw and Henry's patent/King's patent barrel legend. The barrel has the first pattern sporting style front sight with nickel silver blade and a folding leaf rear sight with 1000 yard center notch and no elevation bar stop. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped: "HENRY'S PATENT. OCT. 16. 1860./KING'S-PATENT. MARCH 29. 1866" in two lines ahead of the rear sight. The Madis letter states that the underside of the barrel is stamped with two crosses indicating it was fired and proofed and a "W" factory inspection mark. The letter further states that the serial number "15052" is stamped on the underside of the barrel, left side of the lower tang, in the upper stock inlet and on the inside of the buttplate. The letter also indicates that the assembly number "1676" is stamped on the inside of both side plates.

ConditionVery good as professionally restored overall. The finish on the barrel and magazine is an artificially aged, very attractive plum brown. The surfaces of the barrel and magazine are smooth and the barrel edges are sharp. The factory legend is clear. The loading port cover, and hammer, trigger, lever and saddle ring have a smooth brown patina. The receiver and crescent buttplate are in condition very little handling wear and a good looking aged patina. The side plate joints are tight and show minimal evidence of disassembly. The nicely figured replacement burl walnut stock and forearm have been re-varnished long ago but remain in good condition and shows only a few, very minor, storage and handling marks.
Details
ManufacturerWinchester
Model1866
TypeRifle
Serial number
ClassAntique
Caliber / Gauge44 RF
Barrel24 inch octagon
Finishblue/sun metal
Stockvarnished walnut

Item LocationRock Island, IL
Views5466
Catalog page18
Find MoreRelated Items
Lot 35Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle
View Lot
Lot 32Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle
View Lot
Lot 1012 Early Production Winchester Model 1866 Saddle Ring Carbine
View Lot
Lot 20Cased Nimschke Engraved Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle
View Lot
Show More