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The rifle has a full octagon barrel and full length magazine. The barrel is fitted with a Beach style folding combination globe and post front sight and a fixed leaf rear sight in the barrel dovetail. The rear sight is a period addition. A folding peep rear sight is mounted on the receiver tang. Factory sling swivels are fitted to the forearm cap and stock. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped: “WINCHESTER’S-REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CT./KING’S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED- MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16. 1860.” in two lines ahead of the rear sight. The serial number “38058” is stamped on the lower tang and enclosed in a hand engraved banner. The upper tang inlet of the stock is stamped with the partial serial number “8058”.
CONDITION: Extremely fine. The rifle retains 75% of the original blue. The blue finish on the barrel and magazine has some high point wear with traces of thinning on contact points. The bolt and loading gate retain significant amounts of the original blue finish. The hammer, trigger and lever have most of the
soft case colors remaining. The exceptionally fine brass forearm cap, receiver and buttplate have a very attractive, untouched patina. The deeply cut and flawlessly executed engraving is crisp. The barrel legend is sharp. The highly figured, fancy grain walnut stock and forearm are in very fine condition. Wear is limited to a few scattered and very insignificant handling marks. This is a magnificent example of a desirable factory engraved Winchester Model 1866 lever action rifle.
Provenance: The Joe Marlin Hilliard Collection.
Estimate: 50,000 - 75,000
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