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a ribbon, is similar to “AOS” cartouches found on Argentine proofed 1866 carbines in the 135,000 to 148,000 serial number range. According to noted Winchester expert George Madis, “To date, no concrete
evidence has appeared to explain the meaning of [AOS] markings.” The same can be said about the cartouche found on this musket. This example is also stamped with “CS&S” behind the serial number on
the lower tang and has been embellished with near full coverage engraving on the receiver. The engraving features floral, border, and cross-hatched motifs and has been beautifully executed by a talented artisan. The
top of the barrel has the standard two-line address/King’s patent marking, “J” marked at the breech, and the serial
number is on the lower tang. It is fitted with a block blade front sight and folding ladder rear sight. It is mounted with a
smooth musket length forearm and straight grip stock with a military style buttplate, and there are sling swivels on the middle barrel band and bottom of the stock. CONDITION: Fine, the barrel showing a mixture of period refinished blue and plum brown patina with some light speckling of surface oxidation throughout, while the crisp receiver shows a mellow aged tone to the brass with crisp engraving. The refinished wood is also fine with some scattered minor dings throughout and a hairline crack in the wrist. Mechanically excellent.
LOT 1018
Attractive Finely Engraved Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action
Musket with Unique Cartouche - Serial no. 92463, 44 RF cal., 27
inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1872, this is a desirable
example of a martially inspected Winchester Model 1866 lever action musket. The faint script letter cartouche (“GHJ”) is stamped on the left side of the buttstock. The Winchester Model 1866 musket was not documented to have ever been obtained by the U.S. military, but was sold to foreign militaries
(France, Turkey, Mexico and Prussia). The cartouche, which is inside
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
18
LOT 1019
Desirable Winchester Model 1866 Flat Side Lever Action
Saddle Ring Carbine - Serial no. 13994, 44 RF cal., 20 inch round
bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. This very scarce Winchester Model
1866 flat side carbine features highly desirable early features: the Henry and
King patent dates barrel marking (“HENRY’S PATENT-OCT. 16. 1860/KING’S PATENT-
MARCH 29. 1866,” faint), flat loading port cover and “Henry Drop” receiver. The upper tang has two screws,
an early production feature. The left side of the tang, buttstock, and buttplate have the serial number “13994,” which dates to 1866
or the first year of production. The left side of tang also is assembly number stamped “932” in smaller numbers. The front sight blade is integral to the front barrel
band. The rear sight is a two position leaf. The left side of the receiver has the original factory installed staple and saddle ring. The magazine tube has the early threaded cap correctly
without a screw. The barrel, magazine, barrel bands, and loading gate are blued. The hammer, lever, and trigger are casehardened. The buttstock and forearm are walnut. In “The Winchester Book” by author George Madis on page 57 he estimated that the total number of First Model 1866s manufactured was approximately 3,500 guns, equally divided between rifles and carbines. He further estimated that the survival rate for these early Winchesters was about 25% and that “less than 875” First Model 1866 rifles and carbines were available to collectors.
CONDITION: Very good. The barrel and magazine have a brown-gray appearance with traces of blue in the protected areas. The brass frame has an attractive color, and the receiver has tight fitting side plates. The refinished wood is very good with a coat of varnish, crack at the toe, and few missing slivers. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 7,500 - 12,000