The Model 1866 or "improved Henry" was one of the earliest and most widely used repeating rifles in the American West and saw use in conflicts over land, gold, and other resources on the frontier in the second half of the 19th century in the hands of settlers, Native Americans, outlaws, lawmen, and hunters. '66s were famously used by multiple Native American warriors during the Battle of Little Bighorn, and many commentators, both now and in the period, including Montana pioneer Granville Stuart, have questioned how that battle's outcome would have differed if the U.S. soldiers were also armed with repeating firearms. Interestingly, the Model 1866 was in fact among the first repeating firearms used by militaries, but it was Native Americans warriors and French and Ottoman soldiers that used them on the battlefield. It is the direct descendant of the Henry rifle and traces its lineage back to earlier repeaters like the Volcanics. This Third Model was manufactured in 1872 and has a German silver blade front sight, folding two leaf rear sight period modified from the original ladder sight, two-line address/King's improvement patent barrel marking, absent forend sling swivel, sling swivel on the buttstock, serial number along with "FS" on the lower tang and trapdoor brass buttplate (cleaning rod not included). Comes with an oval "830" marked collection tag.

Good, displaying frontier character with an even brown patina mixed with some areas of pitting on the barrel and magazine, the once cleaned brass taking on a dark appearance, tight fitting side plates ("TN" initials period hand marked on the left plate) and worn wood with chipping and a few stress cracks. Mechanically excellent. A well used classic Model 1866 rifle showing great character that will display well in any American antique firearms collection.