This is an extremely fine example of a Winchester Model 1866 saddle ring carbine that was manufactured in 1868. The carbine has a blued barrel, magazine and loading gate with distinctive brass receiver and buttplate. The upper and lower barrel band, hammer and loading lever have a casehardened finish. The stock and forearm are straight grain black walnut. This Second Model 1866 carbine has the distinctive single upper tang screw and receiver flare at the junction with the forearm. The carbine has a staple-mounted saddle ring on the left side of the receiver, two-leaf rear sight with blades marked "1" and "5", upper barrel band with integral front sight blade, threaded magazine cap, and crescent brass buttplate with hinged trapdoor. The bolt has a rimfire firing pin. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the early style, two-line legend, "HENRY'S-PATENT-OCT. 16. 1860 KING'S- PATENT- MARCH 29. 1866." ahead of the rear sight. The serial number is stamped on the lower tang behind the trigger. The letter "B" and what appears to be a "o" are stamped on the lower tang between the serial number and the tang screws. Provenance: The Joe Marlin Hilliard Collection

Extremely fine. The barrel and magazine retain 75% of the original blue finish. The balance of the blue finish has faded slightly and shows traces of attractive plum-colored patina with smooth metal surfaces. The barrel legend is clear and crisp. The casehardened finish on the upper barrel band has faded to a plum-brown patina; the lower barrel band has mottled dove gray case colors. The hammer retains most of the color casehardened finish. The loading lever has a brown patina. The loading gate and extractor have most of the original blue finish. The brass receiver and crescent buttplate are both excellent and have a very attractive patina. The receiver and tang screws retain considerable original finish. The stock and forearm are both fine and have minimal handling or storage wear. Model 1866 carbines were usually purchased as working firearms and typically show the effects of years of hard use. Early production Model 1866 carbines, like this example, are rarely encountered with any original finish. This is an exceptional example of a Winchester Model 1866 carbine that would be a stand-out piece in the most advanced Winchester collection.