The Winchester Model 1866 is often cited as one of the primary "guns that won the west", and it is not hard to imagine this example having been ordered by a lawman, outlaw, or rancher who required a reliable rifle but also desired a bit more flare. The included factory letter lists this rifle with an octagon barrel and 1/2 nickel finish and indicates it was received in the warehouse on January 31, 1877, and shipped the same day in order 8178. The barrel has a dovetailed nickel-silver blade front sight and is roll-stamped: "WINCHESTER'S REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CT./KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED MARCH 29. 1866 OCTOBER 16. 1860." in two-lines ahead of the elevation adjustable sporting rear sight. The serial number is stamped behind the trigger. The barrel, magazine tube, and loading gate are all blued. The brass receiver, crescent buttplate, hammer, trigger, loading lever and cartridge elevator all have the very rare nickel-plated finish. The stock and forearm are straight grain American walnut. Provenance: The Collection of David L. DeLullo

Fine with 75% plus untouched original nickel plating, aged patina on the exposed brass, traces of original blue, mostly smooth brown patina on the balance, and light oxidation/pitting, typical of a gun that saw Western use. The top flat of the barrel shows two deep scribe lines incised into the barrel, one covered by the replacement rear sight. The refinished wood is also fine and has light scratches and dings, some filler, and a long scrape on the left side of the butt, signs of efforts being made to keep a working gun serviceable. Mechanically fine.