Manufactured in 1878 as a Fourth Model 1866 rifle with the gradually sloped receiver in front of the hammer and the serial number on the bottom of the lower tang in script numerals. These rifles are one of the most iconic weapons of the American west, the direct descendant of the iconic Henry rifle, they bridged the gap between the Henry and the Winchester Model 1873. The top of the barrel is marked with the standard two-line address and King's patent marking. It is fitted with a brass blade front sight and elevation adjustable notch rear sight. The receiver was originally fitted with a saddle ring, a seldom encountered feature on a Fourth Model 1866, but was removed by the factory and the holes for the saddle ring staple filled. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent buttplate (cleaning rod not included).

Very good plus, retains 20% of the original blue finish in sheltered areas of the barrel and 30% of an applied blue/black finish on the magazine with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth brown patina. The receiver and buttplate show fine, attractively aged brass. The wood is fine with some light dings and scratches scattered throughout. Mechanically functions fine with the lever slightly loose.