Lot 1016

Attractive Winchester Model 1866 Saddle Ring Carbine

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Attractive Winchester Model 1866 Saddle Ring Carbine

Estimate: $4,500 - $7,000

Starting Bid: $4,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 22, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Attractive Winchester Model 1866 Smoothbore Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine with Gaines de Graffenried Letter Manufactured in 1870, this is a highly attractive example of one of the most iconic firearms of the American West; the Winchester Model 1866 saddle ring carbine. These "Yellowboy" carbines and rifles were essentially an upgraded version of the earlier Henry rifle and many of them saw extensive use on the frontier, laying the foundations of a legacy that would lead Winchester to dominating the American long gun market for over a century. This particular carbine was subsequently reconfigured for .44 Henry Centerfire, the barrel bored smooth, and wood upgraded to deluxe configuration. An included letter from Gaines de Graffenried states that this particular carbine was owned by Dr. C.H. Wilson of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from 1910 to 1955 and that Dr. Wilson was a world champion pistol shot. The letter further notes that C.H. Wilson was pictured on p. 375 of the 1961 publication of "The Winchester Book" by George Madis. It is quite possible that this particular carbine was bored smooth for exhibition shooting of aerial targets such as clays or glass target balls with shot cartridges. The top of the barrel has the faint two-line Winchester address and King's patent marking, while the serial number is on the lower tang behind the trigger. It is fitted with a blade front sight integral to the barrel band, a two-leaf rear sight, and a saddle ring on the left of the receiver. It is mounted with a carbine type forearm and straight grip stock, both with deluxe checkering similar to that seen on early Model 1873s, and a crescent buttplate.

Manufacturer: Winchester

Model: 1866

BBL: 20 inch round

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 44 Henry Centerfire

Finish: blue/brass

Serial Number47224B

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: Doctor C.H. Wilson; The Gaines de Graffenried Collection; The A.D. Hodge Collection; A Private Collection
  • Condition: Fine, retaining 95% plus of the period refinished blue and attractive lightly aged brass with a few scattered spots of very light pitting and some scattered light dings. The wood is also fine with a few scattered light dings and well-defined checkering. Mechanically functions. An attractive example of the Winchester Model 1866 that appears to have been configured for exhibition shooting!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000