Manufactured c. 1870. This carbine has the distinctive brass receiver with moderate curve ahead of the hammer and exposed serial numbers on the lower tang between the trigger and mainspring adjusting screws which are characteristics of Third Model 1866 carbines and rifles. The carbine has a 20-inch round barrel and full-length magazine. The magazine has the early threaded cap. The front sight blade is an integral part of the upper barrel band. The two-leaf rear sight is the Second Style with high base. The indented loading port cover is secured by a single screw. A staple mounted saddle ring is located on the left side of the receiver. The hammer has border-less, hand-cut knurling on the spur. The crescent brass buttplate has a hinged trapdoor, and the butt trap contains a four piece jointed steel cleaning rod with brass tip. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped "WINCHESTER'S-REPEATING-ARMS. NEWHAVEN. CT./KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED -MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER. 16 1860" in two lines ahead of the rear sight. The lower receiver tang is stamped with the serial number behind the trigger. The barrel, magazine and barrel bands are blued the hammer, trigger and lever are casehardened, and the loading gate has a fire blue finish. The stock and forearm are straight grain American walnut.

Very fine. This exceptional Model 1866 carbine is all original and retains 60% of the original blue finish on the barrel and magazine. The two line Winchester legend is sharp. The upper barrel band has 50% plus of the blue finish while the lower band has a gray-brown patina. Significant amounts of blue are present on protected areas of the rear sight. The loading gate retains 50% of the original Nitre blue finish. The brass receiver and crescent buttplate are very fine with a beautiful untouched patina. The side plate joints are perfect. Wear on the receiver and buttplate is limited to a few very insignificant handling marks. The bolt retains significant amounts of blue finish. The case colors on the hammer, trigger and lever have aged to a mottled gray brown patina. The stock and forearm remain very fine and retains most of the varnish. Wear is limited to a few scattered and relatively minor handling marks. This is an exceptional example of a Winchester Model 1866 Saddle Ring Carbine.