Fine Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Saddle...

The Model 1866 Winchester was essentially a Henry Rifle with improvements invented and patented by Winchester shop Superintendent Nelson King in 1866. The side loading gate, modified magazine and new walnut forearm eliminated the primary defects in the Henry rifle and created the lever action rifle associated with the name "Winchester". This carbine is a Fourth Model manufactured in 1882. The top of the barrel has the later barrel marking: "WINCHESTER'S - REPEATING - ARMS NEW HAVEN. CT. / KING'S- IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29 1866, OCT.16. 1860.", it is marked "44 R.F." at the breech and "44 CAL" on the bottom of the cartridge elevator. The carbine features a square base blade sight integral to the barrel, folding carbine rear sight graduated to 900 yards, screw on magazine cap, checkered hammer, staple and saddle ring attached to the left side of the frame, single screw upper tang and later iron buttplate. Fitted with a smooth forearm secured with one barrel band and straight grip stock with crescent buttplate with buttstock compartment.
BBL: 20 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 44 RF
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 156817

Very good. The barrel and magazine have a smooth mottled brown patina with some small areas of light pitting. The hammer has a smooth silver gray patina and the lever, and buttplate have a smooth dark patina with some minor pitting on the buttplate. The receiver has an attractive, natural aged patina. The wood is fine with several minor ding, scuffs and nicks on the stock and some minor dings and dents on the forearm. The markings are clear. The action is excellent.