4008 "THE FIRST ENGRAVED WINCHESTER" WINCHESTER 1866

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 15,000.00 USD
Estimated at 30,000.00 - 50,000.00 USD
FIRST MODEL FLATSIDE CARBINE. Cal. 44 HRF. S# 13187, marked on the inside of the lower tang. Noted author & historian R.L. Wilson states in binder of included research "After extensive research and more than 50 years of seeking a lower serial number marking on the first Winchester the 1866, which also has been engraved- the writer has concluded that No. 13187 is indeed the first engraved Winchester presently known to the collecting fraternity". Bbl. 20", carbine style. First-model 1866 flatside carbine with King's Improvement loading system. First-model 66s are easily distinguishable by their lack of forearm flare. The brass receiver has full-coverage engraving of the style done in the workshop of Louis Daniel Nimschke. The left side of the receiver features the Mexican eagle and snake. Balance of receiver sides have vine-type foliate scroll with punch-dot backgrounds. The upper left edge of the receiver is engraved "F. Maximiliano." The upper right side is engraved "Empetador de Mejico." It is believed that the Emperor Maximilian engraving was added at a later date. The primary receiver engraving likely done in the shop of L. D. Nimschke is believed to be correct, and as much as this may be the earliest known factory-engraved Winchester rifle, The model 1866s were serial numbered in the same range as the approximately 14,000 Henry rifles and overlapped with Henry serial numbers. Magazine band-mounted front sight with folding leaf rear sight. This rare carbine had a silver-finished action with a blued bbl. and mag. tube and a case-colored hammer and lever. Walnut carbine forearm and straight grip stock with brass crescent trapdoor rifle buttplate. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: included is a 17-page binder of information from noted author R. L. Wilson. Mr. Wilson speculates that it is logical that Oliver Winchester would have presented the first engraved Winchester to Emperor Maximilian due to the importance of establishing foreign sales. The binder goes on to discuss the merits of this rare carbine, the history of Winchester, and his pursuit of international sales for his new rifle. Mr. Wilson ends his narrative with the following paragraph: "Considering all its many features, the writer regards Serial No. 13187 Model 1866 as an icon in the history of arms collecting. This historic work of art will be featured in future editions of the author's Winchester: An American Legend book, as well as in future Winchester engraving titles and in any further tributes by the author to the artistry of L.D. Nimschke." CONDITION: the action retains over 10% silver finish in protected areas, showing a pleasing dark tarnish. The remnants of the brass receiver and buttplate exhibit a pleasing mustard patina. Bbl., mag. tube, hammer, and lever have faded to gray, showing intermittent light corrosion. The stock and forearm show evidence of old refinishing, having numerous scratches, handling marks, and small dents. The toe of the stock is missing a small chip. The saddle ring appears to be a replacement. Good mechanics. Bore is generally bright with a lightly worn rifling. (01-24316/DS). ANTIQUE. $30,000-50,000.