Photo View: NOT AVAILABLE FOR SALE - OUTSTANDING WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 LEVER ACTION RIFLE IN CALIBER 44 HENRY RIMFIRE

This gun is fully and finely 'bank note scroll' engraved by the master: L.D. Nimschke. 28,XXX serial number range. This rifle is considered by many to be the finest work that Nimschke had ever done on a Winchester. The motif on the side and the scroll work is unlike anything he's done on any other known gun but it is undoubtedly his work. Overall gun is in superb cond with approx 85-90% orig blue on bbl and mag tube, fine bore. Orig walnut stocks are in exc+ cond with most orig varnish and just a very few light handling mars; complete with orig sling swivels. Receiver was originally gold gilted and still retains a considerable amount of the orig gold gilt in the engraving; the balance of the receiver has turned a beautiful deep butterscotchy brass patina coloration. Vivid case colors on the hammer and lever. Interesting to note that the center motif on the left hand side of this gun is considered the Goddess of Liberty. Her crown is very ornately done with very elaborate borders around her. This is the same exact motif that Nimschke used on the orig plate that the Federal Government used to print the .15 cent bank notes which were popular in about the 1860's, of which, one orig note is included with the gun. Absolutely stunning; the best of it's kind and hard to improve upon. Very few Winchester's were ever engraved in what they considered the bank note style. This one has to be seen to be truly appreciated. Exc throughout! Very sharp little gun.

A *** Not Available For Sale ***