Lot 3006

Ulrich Deep Relief Panel Scene Engraved Winchester Model 1866

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Ulrich Deep Relief Panel Scene Engraved Winchester Model 1866

Estimate: $55,000 - $95,000

Starting Bid: $47,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 23, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Extremely Scarce Exhibition Conrad F. Ulrich Factory Master Deep Relief Panel Scene Engraved Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle Manufactured in 1871, this is an extraordinary work of firearms art by Winchester and their incredibly talented Master Engraver Conrad F. Ulrich. Pieces such as this represent the awe-inspiring pinnacle of American firearms art during the 19th century and they remain elite collection defining pieces to this day. The Winchester company and their masterful artisans produced a limited number of masterpieces such as this during the late 19th century, many of which were proudly displayed at the plethora of large trade fairs around the country and the world, clearly exhibiting the incredible craftsmanship and artistry they were capable of. This particular rifle falls into a small grouping of Model 1866s in the 78000 to 79000 serial number range that all appear to have received an extraordinary level of embellishment, almost certainly for display at these fairs. Some of those other rifles are numbered 78143, 79860, 79924 (just two numbers away from this rifle), 79947, and 79994, all of which are pictured and described on p. 111-116 of "Winchester Engraving" by R.L. Wilson in the chapter covering the signed works of Conrad F. and Herman L. Ulrich. A few of those other rifles show similarly incredible deep relief engraving like this one. Conrad F. Ulrich trained under the legendary Gustave Young at Colt, beginning his apprenticeship there as early as the 1860s, and continuing to work there until he and his two brothers Herman L. and John moved to New Haven and began engraving for the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Though there were some Model 1866s engraved prior to the arrival of the Ulrichs, it is these three brothers who truly established the Winchester style and standard of engraving which would carry on well into the 20th century. Though never officially listed as a Winchester employee, Conrad was undoubtedly one of their masters, establishing a tradition at the company that was carried on by his brother John well after Conrad had left to work for Marlin and Herman returned to engrave for Colt. Though the stock was unable to be removed during examination of this rifle, it is highly likely that Conrad F. Ulrich's signature would be found somewhere on the receiver tangs. Both the previously mentioned rifles numbered 79947 and 79994 bear relief engraving similar to this example and are noted as being signed by Conrad. Having been made in 1871, this rifle was engraved in the very early years of the Ulrichs' time at Winchester. The engraving prominently features five magnificent deeply relief engraved panel scenes on the receiver, a rarely seen type of engraving on even the most extensively embellished Winchesters. The left and right forward portions of the frame each feature a stag scene, reminiscent of the famous "Monarch of the Glen" painting, and contained within a decorative archway. The left sideplate features a scene of stampeding American bison through a forest with a dagged decorative border. The right sideplate behind the loading gate features a circular scene of a nude woman riding atop a male lion, while the right rear of the frame has a smaller circular scene of a doe reaching for leaves overhead, both of which have a decorative border. The larger of these two scenes certainly appears to be inspired by Greek mythology, a theme that appears on many examples of these relief engraved Model 1866s. The scenes are surrounded by masterfully executed floral scrollwork on beaded backgrounds with a hound amongst the scroll over the loading gate, some rosette designs, and other decorative borders and bands. The upper tang has a blank inscription panel. The floral scrollwork continues on the forearm cap and the tang of the buttplate. This rifle is a Third Model with the serial number marked in block numerals behind the trigger. The stock and buttplate screws are too tight and were not removed to confirm other serial numbers, though they appear original to the rifle and are undoubtedly matching. The top flat of the barrel has the standard two-line address and King's patent marking. It is fitted with the base of a blade front sight (blade now absent), a folding ladder rear sight, and sling swivels on the forearm cap and bottom of the stock. The receiver, buttplate, and forearm cap show traces of a factory original gold finish, while the remainder of the components have a factory nickel plated finish. It is mounted with a nicely figured smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent buttplate.

Manufacturer: Winchester

Model: 1866

BBL: 24 inch octagon

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 44 Henry Rimfire

Finish: nickel/gold

Serial Number79926

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Very good as a scarce masterpiece by Master Engraver Conrad F. Ulrich, retaining 30% plus of the original nickel plating with the balance a smooth grey patina, mild pitting, and a slightly uneven surface at the muzzle. The receiver and other brass components show a very attractively aged patina with some traces of the original gold finish and crisp engraving throughout. The wood is good with a couple minor chips absent from the edges of the forearm and scattered minor dings and scratches. Mechanically functions. These deep relief engraved Model 1866s are incredible pieces of Winchester and Ulrich art that are found in very few of even the most extensive Winchester collections!

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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