This Winchester Model 1866 carbine was manufactured in 1871 and subsequently was custom embellished in the mid-20th century. The carbine has the first style barrel band with integral front sight blade and two-leaf rear sight. A staple mounted saddle ring is located on the left side of the receiver. The stock has a crescent brass buttplate with hinged trapdoor. The stock and forearm are replacements of nicely figured American walnut. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the second type legend: "WINCHESTER'S REPEATING ARMS NEW HAVEN. CT./KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16, 1860." in two lines ahead of the rear sight. The serial number, "102168", is stamped on the lower receiver tang behind the trigger. The receiver and buttplate are gold plated and decorated with custom engraving. The engraving consists of a scene that covers most of the left side of the receiver and depicts a mounted hunter pursuing a small herd of bison. The right side plate depicts a hunter armed with a Winchester rifle about to be mauled by a grizzly bear and an oval that contains a bison head in profile. The balance of the receiver and buttplate heel are covered with open scrollwork on a punch-dot background, floral designs and detailed borders. The engraving style generally resembles Ulrich factory work.

Very good as custom embellished. The barrel, magazine, barrel bands, hammer, lever, and trigger have the original blue and casehardened finish. The barrel and magazine have a brown patina with some minor scratches and traces of light pitting. The Winchester legend on the barrel is faint but legible. The barrel bands, lever, hammer, trigger and saddle ring have a silver-gray patina. The highly figured replacement stock and forearm have a few minor handling marks but generally show minimal wear. The gold plating on the receiver and buttplate is about 95% complete. The receiver plating has some minor wear on the edges and a small spot on discoloration in the upper left corner at the junction with the barrel. This is an attractive engraved Winchester Model 1866 carbine.