Late production Winchester Fourth Model 1866 rifle manufactured in 1885. The rifle has a round barrel with full-length magazine. The barrel has a standard sporting style front sight with nickel-silver blade and a sporting style rear sight. The upper tang of the distinctive brass receiver is factory drilled and tapped for a rear sight. The straight grain, American walnut stock has the late, steel, crescent buttplate with sliding brass trapdoor. The under side of the stock is fitted with a sling swivel. 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 "164357" is stamped in script numerals on the lower tang between the lever latch and the rear tang screw.
Fine. The brass receiver has an attractive aged patina. The blue finish on the barrel, magazine, and forearm cap has faded to a plum brown. The case colors on the hammer and loading lever have a mottled gray patina. The barrel has light age texture and there are shallow vice marks on both sides of the barrel several inches ahead of the receiver. The 1/4 inch letters "W.N" are stamped on the right side of the receiver and on the bottom of the lower tang beneath the lever. The initials "LL" are lightly scratched the on left side of the receiver just ahead of the stamped "WN" mark. "FB" is stamped in block letters on the right side of the receiver ahead of the loading gate. The significance of these markings is unknown. The barrel markings are light but legible. The serial number is clear. The stock and forearm are in very good condition with scattered and very light handling wear; the stock appears to have been period re-varnished. This is a fine example of a late production Winchester Fourth Model 1866 rifle.
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