early Restored Flat Side Winchester Model 1866 Saddle Ring Carbine Lever Action Rifle
Our Assessment: The earliest known 1866 was serial 12476, continuing in the same serial range as the Henry 1860. In fact, there was some overlap between 1860 and 1866 production, with the Model 1860 continuing into the 14,000 range. That would put this example, serial 13724, close to if not in the first 1,000 Model 1866 made, and it is easy to see why these early guns were called the "Improved Henry". The stock is secured with one machine screw and two wood screws, the receiver has a distinct "hump" at the top-rear reminiscent of its predecessor, and the stock even has the enigmatic "Henry bump" on the left side. The loading gate is of the earliest flat style and the hammer does not have the half-cock safety position which would be added to the design later.The rifle is in about Very Good condition as refinished with about 70% of its new blued and brass finish, minor wear in the stocks, a more than decent bore for a rifle of this age, and just a slight timing issue with the lifter. All of the 1866 models are very collectable due to their age and the relatively short time period over which they were made: the M1866 was made up until the 1890's, but very few were made after the 1873 rifle was introduced with its improved center fire cartridges. Most Winchester collectors would never think that their collection was complete without at least all three variations of the M1866, while some would argue for all the variations of the four different models.
Make: Winchester
Model: 1866 SRC
Serial Number: 13724
Year of Manufacture: 1866
Caliber: .44 Henry Rimfire
Action Type: Lever Action
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked "HeNRY'S-PATENT-OCT. 16. 1860. / KING'S-PATENT-MARCH 29. 1866". The lower tang is marked "13724" on the left under the stock. The "7" is struck over an "8", this appears to be a factory error. The inside of the buttplate at the toe is marked "13724", also stamped on the upper tang inlet of the wrist.
Barrel Length: 20", Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to the forward barrel band. The rear sight is a folding carbine sight, The rear sight leaf is bent slightly and is a little loose in the base, flipping up and down freely.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with steel barrel band, brass crescent buttplate with trapdoor storage compartment, straight wrist and straight comb. The left of the buttstock has a "Henry bump" and the stock is secured with one machine screw entering the top tang, one wood screw in the top tang and one wood screw in the bottom tang, typical of early Model 1866 stocks. The stocks have some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is a tiny loss at the top-front of the wrist to the right of the top tang. There are no cracks. The wood-to-metal fit is slightly imperfect at the rear edge of the forend. The LOP measures 13 3/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has gone to a mustard patina with a few nicks and some wear at the toe. Overall, the stocks are in Fine-plus condition as ANTIQUE.
Type of Finish: Blue & Brass
Finish Originality: The blued parts have been refinished. The brass is original.
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray. The rifling is worn, but visible. There is minor erosion scattered through the bore. ln this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6 or 7 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains approximately 70% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The barrel and magazine tube have scattered minor finish wear with some small nicks and scratches. The receiver has gone to a mustard patina with some areas showing the crystalline appearance of old brass. There are some small nicks and light scratches with light tool marks around the edges of the sideplates. There is some scattered minor discoloration. There is wear around the saddle ring. The lever has some minor scraping and light finish wear. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition as refinished ANTIQUE (see Mechanics).
Mechanics: The timing of the lifter is off slightly, the rear edge of the lifter tends to catch on the firing pins on its way up. Otherwise, the action functions correctly.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a three-piece cleaning rod stored in the buttstock.
CA LEGAL: ANTIQUE
RIFLE