This is a very nice example of the scarce and seldom seen model 1866 Winchester Musket. The Winchester factory actually termed these long-barreled 1866s as infantry rifles because the term musket evoked visions of the unwieldy long barrel, large bore rifles that were produced during the Civil war, notwithstanding this name change the musket had the lowest sales of any 1866 and consequently is the rarest model today. This example was manufactured in 1870 and it correctly fitted with a 27 inch round barrel with the magazine tube that stops about 2 3/4 inches from the muzzle allowing this rifle to have a full 17 round capacity. The top of the barrel is marked with the two line address/King's improvement patent dates. It has the third pattern receiver with the block serial number located on the lower tang directly behind the trigger. Standard musket style rear sight with a fixed front post sight. The forearm is approximately 3/4 length of the barrel it is fitted with the scarce first pattern sling swivels that are mounted on the second barrel band and underside of the stock. There were approximately 14,000 Muskets produced in total during production of the 1866.

Good with the metal surfaces having completely browned out on all the exposed areas. The receiver and side plates are a mustard yellow old aged patina showing some minor nicks in a few places. The screw do show some slight marks from tightening, but this was done years ago, and now they have all the old dried dirt and oil from years of having been unturned. The forearm has some minor handling marks and light pressure dents and dings from use. The buttstock was cleaned and lightly sanded years ago and now has a very nice old age oil finish. A solid example of Winchester Model 1866 Musket with that old attic find type of appearance.