Page 19 - 4093-BOOK3

17
The forearm is highly figured while the stock has straight grain. The top of the barrel is roll-
stamped with the two-line legend “WINCHESTER’S-REPEATING-ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CT./KING’S-
IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16. 1860.” ahead of the rear sight. The serial
number is stamped on the lower tang behind the trigger. The frame, forearm cap, and buttplate
are decorated with factory engraving. The engraving is probably the work of master engraver
John Ulrich. The engraving features bold Germanic scrollwork on a fine punch-dot background
and has duck and hound’s head in panels on the right side of the frame and a bear’s head and an
inscription plate on the left side of the frame. A wolf’s head is engraved in the scrollwork on the
right side of the frame below the hammer. The scrollwork and borders extend to the upper tang
and top of the frame, the lower tang and cartridge elevator, both sides of the forearm cap and
the heel of the buttplate. An engraved banner surrounds the serial number. As Wilson concludes
“serial number 38,583 occupies a special place within the evolution of Winchester, coming from
those early Model 1866’s which were instrumental in establishing the reputation and image of
Winchester firearms in the United States of America and beyond throughout the world.”
CONDITION: Fine. The barrel and magazine have a mottled, gray-brown patina; the surfaces of
the barrel and magazine are smooth and the edges are sharp. The barrel markings are crisp. The
hammer and lever have a smooth, silver-gray patina with some scattered age spotting. The brass
frame, forearm cap and buttplate have traces of gold with the balance an attractive untouched
patina. The highly detailed, impeccably executed engraving is crisp and deep. The stock and
forearm have moderate handling wear. The stock retains a period applied varnish finish; the
forearm shows more wear and has some of the varnish finish in protected areas. Trigger return
spring needs work, otherwise mechanically functions fine, but trigger return spring is weak. This
is a highly desirable example of a Winchester Model 1866 rifle with factory engraving by one of
the foremost 19th Century engravers.
Provenance: The Gateway Collection.
Estimate: 45,000 - 65,000