In 1866 the New Haven Arms Company changed its name to Winchester Repeating Arms Company. The Model 1866 was the first firearm to be built under the Winchester name. It was a much improved version of the Henry, with such improvements as the solid magazine tube, the loading port and the addition of a forearm. They were extremely popular on the frontier west in the post Civil War era and typically saw extremely heavy use. This rifle is a Fourth Model that was manufactured in 1882 and features a 24 inch octagon barrel with full tubular magazine, fixed front sight and adjustable rear semi-buckhorn rifle sight. The top of the barrel is marked "WINCHESTER'S-REPEATING ARMS, NEW HAVEN. CT./KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29, 1866, OCTOBER 16, 1860". The serial number is marked on the lower tang behind the lever. The straight grip stock and forearm are varnished walnut with a steel end cap and the later steel crescent buttplate with a compartment for a cleaning rod. An original four piece cleaning rod is included.

Very fine. The barrel and magazine retain 60% original blue finish with the balance a crisp smooth dark patina. The brass frame has a pleasant natural consistent aged original patina with tight side plates. The hammer shows strong faded original case colors while the lever and buttplate have a smooth mottled gray patina. The forend cap retains 97% of the bright original blue finish. The wood is very fine with exception of a couple of minor gouges on the forearm and overall some scattered minor dings, nicks and dents. The markings are clear. The action is excellent. If you wanted to own an exceptional original Winchester Model 1866 rifle (with the highly desirable octagonal barrel), this is the one to buy!