Lot 25: Engraved Winchester Model 1866 Carbine

Manufactured in 1876. The receiver is decorated with broad floral scrollwork on a punch dot background. Amongst the scrollwork on the right side is a blank inscription panel, and the centerpiece to the left side is a standing buck game scene in a circular panel. Additional scrollwork appears on the buttplate tang and cartridge elevator. The receiver engraving is comparable to the panel scene featured on a musket Model 1866 no. 134957 pictured in R.L. Wilson's "Winchester Engraving" on page 93 and George Madis' "The Winchester Book" on page 82. The placement, scroll size and scroll and border detail are indicative of patterns attributed to Ulrich. See, for example, page 95 of Wilson's "Winchester Engraving" where a Model 1866 musket no. 128445 features near identical scrollwork and borders as found on this carbine. Wilson attributes the embellishment decorating no. 128445 to Ulrich. Since production of the Model 1866 overlapped with the Model 1873, you will also find striking similarities to embellishments that appeared on both models. This Model 1866 carbine is a third model with the serial number stamped in block numerals behind the trigger and the distinctive curved receiver shape at the rear of the frame. The top of the barrel is stamped with the two-line Winchester New Haven address/King's patent marking ahead of the rear sight. The carbine has a front sight integral to the front band, a two leaf rear sight, a saddle ring mounted on the left side of the receiver and a carbine stock with trapdoor buttplate containing a three piece cleaning rod.

Fine as restored. The carbine retains 95% of the reapplied nickel plating with high edge wear throughout and general loss and pitting on the lever. The later replated barrel has the legend remarked. The wood is fine with some chipped and some minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent.