Winchester Model 1866 Saddle Ring Carbine with custom period engraving on the receiver and buttplate. The upper tang is not drilled and tapped for a receiver sight. The hammer has bordered impressed knurling. The left side of the receiver has a staple-mounted saddle ring. The brass, flat, carbine style buttplate has a sliding brass trap door. The butt trap contains a three-piece, jointed, steel cleaning rod with brass tip. The barrel has an upper band with integral front sight blade and two-position carbine rear sight. The barrel is roll-stamped with the second style address: "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 magazine has the earlier style screw-in plug. The lower tang is stamped with the number "689" behind the trigger. "689" is also stamped on the left side of the lower tang underneath the stock, in the upper stock inlet and on the inside of the buttplate. All of the visible assembly/serial numbers match. The engraving is period and professionally executed. The brass receiver and buttplate are custom engraved with a highly detailed eagle with spread wings on the left side plate and an elk's head on the right side plate. The balance of the side plates, front, top and bottom of the receiver, upper and lower tang, cartridge elevator and buttplate heel are engraved with open shaded scrollwork, floral sprays, cross-hatched panels and double line borders.

Fine as custom embellished. The barrel, magazine and upper and lower barrel bands have a deep brown patina. There is scattered pitting on the upper barrel band and some pitting and rough spots on the right side of the magazine just behind the upper band. The barrel legend is sharp. The brass receiver and forearm have an attractive, aged patina and are in very good overall condition. The side plate joints are tight and wear is limited to a few minor scratches. The well-executed engraving is crisp and deep. The hammer, trigger, lever and saddle ring have a smooth, dark patina. Traces of the original blue finish are present in the loading gate. The stock and forearm are in good overall condition with a number of shallow handling marks; the forearm shows more handling wear than the stock. Both the stock and forearm have a mellow patina. This is an attractive example of a desirable engraved Winchester model 1866 Saddle Ring carbine.