Manufactured in 1872, this extraordinary rifle, nicknamed "The Minister's '66", was beautifully engraved by Colt and Marlin Master Engraver Conrad F. Ulrich (1844-1925), who also did a plethora of engraving for Winchester, though he was never officially an employee. This exquisite piece of art has been signed by the artist with his "C.F. ULRICH" stamp twice on the lower tang. The themes engraved on this rifle somewhat stray away from the traditional themes engraved by Ulrich, namely his animal scenes and acanthus scroll, making it likely this was a truly unique custom order. The reasoning for Ulrich having stamped the work twice is unclear, but it may simply be because he was proud of the atypical finished product. It is currently unknown who this rifle was engraved for; however, the subject matter of the engraving, as well as some other small details, may give us some clues. The left side of the receiver features a large panel with a flying dove with an olive branch clasped in its beak, a universal symbol of peace. Also on the left side is what appears to be an amaryllis bouquet, the symbolism of which is derived from ancient Greek literature. The Greek story of Amaryllis trying to win the affection of the shepherd Alteo being a story of love and determination, which led to the later symbolism of the amaryllis plant and its use as a symbol of a shepherdess and as a symbol of love, ethereal beauty, and determination. The right side features a large rose branch and butterflies in flight. There are butterfly pupa hanging from the branch in their early stages of life. This scene is believed to represent the cycle of life as well as the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth, with the rose thorns representing the crown of thorns. The smaller scene on the right is a day-lily plant, likely representing purity and light. All of these scenes are surrounded by a thin band of ivy which borders the edges of the receiver. The top of the receiver appears to feature two church steeples with prayer windows, what may be two pairs of interlocked wedding bands, and two chalice like symbols. These symmetrical bands of engraving are on either side of the centerline of the top of the receiver. These symbols alone are enough to hint at this rifle being ordered personally by or for a religious figure, but there is more evidence to support that on the forearm. The right side of the forearm has been hand carved with a series of crosses and notches just along the upper edge. These markings are interesting in that they differ in size and design. From receiver to muzzle the series features two large crosses, small cross, large dash, small dash and cross, large dash, small cross, large dash cross dash, and two more large crosses. Judging by the intentionally different sizing it seems almost certain these markings had differing meanings, of which we can only speculate. There are another series of dashes on the left side of the forearm concentrated towards the muzzle end, these being all of the same size, and 25 in number. The included documentation indicates that the rifle was ordered for a prominent minister in Connecticut in 1872. It is certainly a rifle that seems to ask more questions than it answers, but it is almost certain that the story behind its markings, both factory and non-factory, is an interesting one. It is easy to imagine a minister purchasing such a rifle to protect his flock before journeying west. Apart from the masterfully executed engraving, the rifle has the standard two-line Winchester address/King's patent marking on the top barrel flat and the small block numeral serial number within a cartridge shaped engraved border on the lower tang between the trigger and lever latch. The "0" in the serial number is stamped over a "2", which was likely a factory error. The left side of the lower tang is marked "XXX," and the serial number is repeated in the stock inlet and inside the buttplate. The receiver, forend cap, and buttplate are all gold plated, and the barrel and magazine are blued. The third type indented loading gate is finished in nitre blue, and the hammer has the fourth type fine checkering with border at the bottom. It is fitted with a globe front sight which is slightly oversized for its dovetail, a filler block in the rear sight dovetail, and a tang mounted long range peep sight. It is mounted with a finely figured smooth forearm and straight grip stock, with special order sling swivels on the forend cap and buttstock, and a trapdoor crescent buttplate. Includes a three-piece steel cleaning rod, a brass collection tag marked "A273". Also included with the rifle is a copy of "Volume 25 Issue 4 (Fall 2002) The Winchester Collector" and "Volume 25, number 3, 2003 Man at Arms", both of which feature articles about the rifle by Les Quick, a series of close-up photos of the rifle, and a purchase agreement.

Exceptionally fine, retains 50% of the original high polish blue finish mixed with a plum brown patina and some light edge wear. 70% plus of the original gold plating remains with the balance having thinned to expose the attractively aged brass underneath and crisp engraving. The finely figured reoiled wood is very fine with some scattered minor dings and scratches, a few hairline age cracks in the buttstock, and a hairline crack in both sides of the wrist with a discreet repair on the left. Mechanically excellent. A truly unique Winchester Model 1866 embellished by Conrad Ulrich that is worthy of even the most extensive Winchester collections and is further proof that "not all art is framed".