Factory Engraved Deluxe Winchester Second Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle

This incredible deluxe Winchester Model 1886 lever action rifle was manufactured in 1868 early in production. It is a Second Model and features the Henry patent marking on the barrel as well as factory engraving in the early "Samuel Hoggson" style used by Winchester in the 1860s. Similar examples can be seen on page 66 and 67 of "Winchester Engraving" by R.L. Wilson. The engraving on the forend cap, frame, and buttplate primarily consists of scrollwork on beaded backgrounds, and there are also additional floral designs and borders on the frame. In addition to the engraving, this rifle has a gold plated finish on the brass/gunmetal components and a beautifully figured deluxe walnut stock. Adding to this rifle's already high desirability is the inscription on the frame: "Daniel C. Murphy" on the upper left and "San Francisco 1868" on the upper right. Winchester Model 1866s with such inscriptions are very scarce. This rare rifle features a Beach combination blade and globe front sight which was then a brand new innovation given it was covered by U.S. patent no. 63690 of April 9, 1867, granted to Edgar B. Beach (1837-1925) of West Meriden, Connecticut, for an "Improvement in Convertible Rifle Sights." The Beach sight gives the option of a blade, globe, or a post on top of the globe as sighting options. This rifle is also equipped with a Henry pattern notch and folding ladder rear sight and an elevation adjustable tang mounted peep sight. The blued octagonal barrel is marked with the Henry and King's improvement patent markings in two lines ahead of the rear sight. The serial number is marked on the lower tang behind the trigger. The nicely figured deluxe walnut wood has a high polish varnish finish, and sling swivels are mounted to the underside of the forend cap and the buttstock. The crescent buttplate has a trapdoor for the stock compartment which contains a takedown cleaning rod. This rifle was advertised in "Arms Gazette" in January 1975 by Alan S. Kelley. The rifle's original owner's exact identity is not clear as there were multiple men named Daniel Murphy living in San Francisco in the period, often without their middle initial given. One possibility is Daniel Cornelius Murphy (1848-1891). His obituary in the San Francisco newspapers in mid-February 1891 read: "Murphy- In this city, February 13, 1891, Daniel C., beloved husband of Margaret Murphy, and father of Mary, Gracie, and Daniel Murphy, a native of County Cork, Ireland, aged 43 years." They also indicated that he lived at 108 William Street. His son, Daniel C. Murphy (1881-1952), was San Francisco's sheriff for 17 years and also a state senator and labor leader. It is unclear when the elder Daniel C. Murphy arrived in the U.S. from Ireland or when he settled in San Francisco, but he would have been around 20 years old in 1868. While the middle initial in the inscription appears to be a "C", it possible it is "T." Another prominent Daniel Murphy in San Francisco was Daniel T. Murphy (1830-1885) of Murphy, Grant & Co. Information accompanying the rifle indicates he arrived in California overland from New York in June of 1849 during the California Gold Rush. He became active in the largest and oldest wholesale dry-goods firm on the West Coat formed in 1851 by Murphy along with Eugene Kelly, J.A. Donohoe, and Adam Grant. In 1868, Murphy, Grant & Co. were major suppliers for the west coast, and Daniel T. Murphy had returned to living in New York. He subsequently resided in London. The other partners were Adam Grant, Thomas Breeze, and John Deane. They had a large building on Sansom & Bush streets in San Francisco completed in 1867 and supplied stores with clothing and related goods. When it was affected by a fire on August 24, 1875, it was noted as containing the largest stock of dry goods in the city with a value of $2,000,000, but the fire department was able to contain the fire at a loss of only $44,300 in damages. Murphy died in New York in 1885 and was noted as having an estate valued at $2,250,000. Daniel T. Murphy Jr. (1862-1919) remained involved in the company and resided in San Francisco for many years.

Condition: Exceptionally fine with 85% plus original blue finish along the barrel and magazine tube with some small patches of flaking and minor edge wear, strong original gold plating in the protected areas, attractively aged patina on the balance of the frame as well as the forend cap and buttplate, strong original case colors on the hammer and lever (particularly vibrant on the right side of the hammer), nearly all of the original nitre blue on the loading gate, and generally only light handling and storage related wear. The deluxe wood is also very fine and has 95% plus of the original varnish finish, attractive figure, small filled spot by the heel extension on the right, a small flake at the toe, and a few insignificant scratches and dings. Mechanically excellent. The Henry pattern engraving and inscription are crisp. Overall, a stunning example of an early deluxe factory engraved and gold blade Winchester Model 1866 complete with special order sights and historical inscription. This is certainly among the most desirable Winchesters in private hands.