Factory Engraved Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle

Accompanied by a letter from world famous author and firearms expert R.L. Wilson, this is a scarce example of a factory engraved Winchester model 1866 lever action rifle that was manufactured in 1869. As Wilson writes "The model 1866 lever action was the first of the company's products not only to carry the Winchester name, but to excel in the profusion of embellishments, and the quality and quantity of decorated arms. The first 1866's bearing factory engraving appears in the early 27,000 serial number range which is approximately the same time the Ulrich's: Conrad F, John, and Herman all migrated to New Haven from Hartford. While the Ulrich's engraving patterns show influences of Gustave Young they developed patterns, styles and techniques of their own now synonymous with the Winchester name." This rifle serial number 38,583, followed soon after the earliest example of factory engraving 1866's and many of the panel scenes exhibited on this rifle can be traced through already published images and text of other factory engraved Winchester rifles. Two particular examples can be viewed in: "Winchester Engraving" by Wilson. The first appears on page 77, see serial number 38,594 which is exactly 11 numbers off this rifle. The work on this rifle is attributed to Conrad F. Ulrich and compares closely to No. 38,583. The second appears on page 80, serial number 38,586, note it's only three numbers off the rifle offered here. Also attributed to an Ulrich, the panel scenes, in particular the "zig-zag" and scalloped border appear nearly identical. For another comparison reference "The Winchester Book" by Madis, pg. 116. That rifle, serial number 38,589, falls only six numbers away and also appears nearly identical. Madis states: "because a number of guns would be chosen for engraving at one time, certain serial series of many Winchester models will have a number of engraved guns. In the 35,000 and 36,000 series we find a comparatively large number of Model 66's. This is also true in the 38,000 series." being manufactured in 1869, we can now attribute the engraving of this rifle to the hand of John Ulrich. The rifle has a octagon barrel, full-length magazine with brass forearm cap, frame, and crescent buttplate. The barrel has a dovetail mounted sporting style front sight with nickel-silver blade and a Henry style folding leaf rear sight with 900 yard center notch. Factory sling swivels are mounted on the forearm cap and stock. The stock and forearm are walnut with a varnished finish. 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.