Manufactured in 1881. The rifle has a special order 28 inch octagon barrel, as standard length was 24 inches. Special order length barrels on Model 1866 rifles are rare. In the article "Survey of Available Winchester Model 1866 Records," William L. Porter evaluated only 50 known Model 1866s with a 28 inch barrel. The accompany factory letter confirms this '66 had a 28 inch octagon barrel when it was received in the warehouse on April 23, 1890 and shipped the same day. The barrel features panels of scrollwork on the visible flats at the muzzle, mid-point (top flat left open) and breech. The high quality of the elaborate engraving is period and is comparable to the style found on the 1 of 1000s but more ornate. The two-line Winchester address/King's improvement patent dates marking is on the top flat flanked by the engraving. The rifle is fitted with a dovetail blade front sight and a folding ladder rear sight. The serial number is stamped on the lower tang behind the lever catch. The straight grip stock is stamped with an iron trapdoor crescent buttplate (cleaning rod not included). Comes with a collection tag marked "880." Model 1866s have always been extremely popular with collectors with most having seen heavy use on the Western frontier due to their rapid fire nature and improved Henry rifle design. This is a stand out example for its rare barrel length and masterful period engraving. Previously from the James D. Gordon collection.

Very good. The barrel and magazine have a mottled brown-gray patina. The period engraving is crisp. The buttplate has a dark patina with pitting. The brass has a highly attractive honey color. The wood is also very good with a few hairline stress cracks and a couple tiny chips at the tangs and minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. An attractive, one-of-a-kind ornately period engraved Model 1866 that will be a welcome addition to any Winchester collection.