This is most of a Winchester 1866 3rd model rifle.  It was found in New Mexico several decades ago.  It looks like the muzzle was shoved into the ground with the rifle (possibly for use as a fence post or marker of some sort) standing above the ground for many years.  You can tell this because the muzzle and tube have some roughness for about the first 4-5 inches...and then the rest of the metal is mostly a nice patina with only light surface rust.    . The metal is very good overall and has even got a great 2 line barrel address...much nicer than even your avg. run of the mill 1866. (See photo).  Serial number is clear as a bell in the 105,000 range.  Made in 1872.  One can only wonder the circumstances that prompted such a highly prized repeater to be abandoned and forgotten.  Depending upon your point of view, this may not be the 1866 of your dreams but for a relic, its in fantastic shape.  In fact, with prices now mostly over $10,000 for 1st through 3rd Model 1866 rifles in well-used condition, this variation has climbed almost out of reach for most of us.  Given those values, this could even be an economically feasible candidate for restoration if desired.  The only significant damage is a partially broken lower tang..fortunately, the serial number is located just behind the trigger and its just the back section that's missing.  These are the parts that are intact...barrel, magazine tube, frame, forend cap w/orig. screws, magazine tube retaining band, lever spring and screw, trigger spring and screw, trigger, hammer, bolt, firing pin (yes, it still has its dual .44 rimfire firing pins, extractor, hammer screw, trigger pin, 2 out of 3 toggle link pins, extractor, and original brass loading block.  The early style screw-in magazine tube cap is pushed down into the tube a bit but also present...as is the original plunger.  It has also survived with about half of its original forewood...poor condition of course...but how many relics do you find with any original wood left?  All in all, a very interesting piece of the American West that would make a colorful wall-hanger or restoration candidate.

Item# 0846

SOLD