This exceptional Winchester Model 1866 Musket was manufactured c. 1869. This musket has the Third Model frame with less drop in the receiver profile ahead of the hammer and serial number stamped in block numerals on the lower tang behind the trigger. The musket has a 27-inch barrel and 24-inch magazine. The barrel has a block mounted front sight that serves as a lug for a socket bayonet and Henry style folding leaf, rear sight with 900 yard center notch and elevator bar stop screw. The 17-inch forearm is secured by two barrel bands. Sling swivels are mounted on the upper barrel band and stock. The musket has the distinctive brass receiver and buttplate. The receiver has a single upper tang screw. The carbine style buttplate has a sliding brass trapdoor. The musket is complete with a steel four-piece cleaning rod. The barrel, magazine and barrel bands are blued and the hammer, trigger and lever are color casehardened. The loading gate has a fire blue finish. The stock and forearm are American walnut; the stock is nicely figured at the wrist and on the left side. 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. A small "B" sub-inspection mark is stamped behind the serial number.

Very fine. This Model 1866 Musket is all original and retains 75% of the original blue finish. The barrel and magazine have close to 90% of the blue finish. The barrel bands and sling swivels show finish wear and have faded to a gray patina. The loading gate retains 80% of the original nitre blue finish. The brass receiver and buttplate are in very fine condition with an attractive mellow, untouched, patina. The receiver side plate joints are perfect. Wear on the receiver and buttplate is limited to scattered minor handling marks. The hammer, trigger and lever retain 80% of the muted case colors. The walnut stock and forearm are both fine overall with scattered minor handling and storage marks. The barrel legend and serial numbers are crisp. This is an attractive original example of an exceptionally fine Winchester Model 1866 Musket.