This fine Winchester Model 1866 saddle ring carbine features a very scarce factory full nickel plated finish. This highly sought after factory full nickel plated carbine is pictured and identified in George Madis’ “The Winchester Book” on page 75. Madis noted, “This fourth model carbine, number 164,533, is standard in all respects except for the full nickel plated finish. Only one of each three hundred guns was plated.” Based on Madis’ calculations, less than 570 Model 1866s were "plated in some manner" out of the approximately 170,100 manufactured in total. According to Madis, "It is interesting to note that plated models 66 are of greater rarity than inscribed or engraved guns" (page 126). This is certainly a rarity in Winchester collecting missing from even the most advanced collections! Fourth model carbines are found in the 149000-170100 serial number range, represent the last style of carbine to the highly successful '66 line, feature an even less pronounced drop at the top rear of the frame, and late guns have an iron buttplate instead of brass. The carbine has a barrel band ahead of the iron block front sight and late pattern folding leaf rear sight. A staple mounted saddle ring is located on the left side of the receiver. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped "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 is stamped in script numerals on the lower tang behind the lever latch. The iron carbine-style buttplate has a sliding trap (cleaning rod not included). The stock and forearm are straight grain black walnut. The accompanying factory letter confirms the nickel plating and that the carbine was received in the warehouse on November 13, 1883 and shipped on August 16, 1898. Provenance: The Frank Barrigan Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Fine. The receiver retains 75% of the original plating. Finish loss is limited to wear on the top of the receiver in front of the ejection port and scattered minor handling marks. The lever and hammer have some scattered flaking on contact points. The barrel, magazine and barrel bands are bright and retains traces of the plated finish in protected areas. The buttplate has 20% of the original plated finish remaining. The barrel marking is clear. The stock and forearm are very good with minimal handling wear. The replacement rear sight folding leaf is broken. This is a fine representative example of a scarce and fully documented Winchester Model 1866 Carbine with factory nickel plated finish.