OC - FINE- all original parts; over 30% original finish, sharp lettering, numerals and design on metal and wood; minor marks in wood.
WB - WOOD IS BETTER FOR THE PERCENT OF FINISH RATING GIVEN
Manufactured in 1870. The receiver is engraved with an oval panel scene on the left side that depicts a bullfight with a matador dispatching a fallen bull. The balance of the receiver and the heel of the buttplate are engraved with bold Germanic scrollwork on a punch-dot background. The serial number on the underside of the receiver tang is surrounded by an engraved banner. "Winchester Engraving" by R.L. Wilson pictures a similar bullfight scene engraved by Conrad F. Ulrich on page 77. The caption notes that bullfight is a seldom seen motif that was intended to appeal to the Mexican market. Page 79 shows an Ulrich engraved Model 1866 Carbine serial number 44266. This carbine has a lesser grade of coverage than this carbine but features a Mexican eagle and rattlesnake motif. Winchester Model 1866 Carbine serial number 44267, pictured on page 113 of "The Winchester Book" by George Madis, has an identical eagle and snake motif. The prevalence of Mexican themes on factory engraved Winchester Model 1866 Carbines in the 44200 serial number range indicates that this carbine was probably factory engraved by Ulrich with a bullfight scene for the Mexican market. The carbine has a barrel band with integral front sight blade, folding two leaf rear sight, crescent buttplate with trapdoor (cleaning rod not included), saddle ring on the left side of the receiver, and the letter "G" stamped on the left side of the stock ahead of the buttplate (significance unknown). A seldom encountered Ulrich pattern engraved matador panel scene Model 1866 is a must have for the serious Winchester collector!
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