This attractive '66 was manufactured in 1887 and was subsequently elaborately engraved with four highly detailed game scenes as well as fine scroll and border engraving with punched backgrounds. The letter confirms it was a carbine received in the warehouse on April 19, 1887, and shipped out on November 11, 1887, with 29 other Winchesters in order number 1642. The barrel and barrel bands have scroll engraving. The frame has a running elk in a wooded scene on the right along with a fleeing buck in another detailed wooded scene, a pair of running big horn rams in a mountain scene on the left, and a pronghorn buck in another mountainous scene near the front. The rest of the frame has intricate classic scroll engraving along with ornate border designs. Coordinating scroll patterns are also on the heel of the buttplate. The barrel has a block blade front sight fitted just behind the front barrel band, an 1873 pattern notch and ladder rear sight, "WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS NEW HAVEN CT." in italics over an apparently hand marked "KING'S IMPROVEMENT - PATENTED MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16. 1860." and "44 CAL RF" in a panel amongst the engraving at the breech. The magazine tube is slightly longer than the barrel. The frame has been fitted with a centerfire bolt and a saddle ring. The elevator is marked "44 CAL." The lower tang has the serial number between the lever screw and rear screw and "44" on the left under the stock. "44" is also on the inside of the buttplate at the toe. The stock has "30303" in the upper tang mortise. The consignor's collection tag notes "PAGET CAVALRY." Unfortunately no additional documentation is available detailing this reference. There was a cavalry brigade under General Sir Arthur Henry Fitzroy Paget known as the Paget Cavalry during the Second Boer War. However, there are no visible English proofs on the carbine suggesting it has never been to England.

Fine as professionally custom embellished with very crisp and attractive engraving throughout, some blue finish on the top of the barrel and otherwise a mix of brown patina and artificial brown on the barrel and magazine tube, attractive aged patina on the brass, dark brown patina on the lever, patches of minor pitting, and general mild wear. The replacement wood is also fine and has mild scratches and dings and edge wear. Elevator needs work, otherwise mechanically fine. This is a very attractive Winchester Model 1866 with highly detailed engraving from an unidentified very talented engraver complete with a variety of game animals from the American West.