Winchester 1866

[tinman905]

She gone

 

[Paatz]

Don't touch it.
Could be worth a lot of money and you could devalue it by touching it in any way.
Pictures!!!!!!!!

 

[Paatz]

Did I say a lot of money?
Yes:
http://www.leroymerz.com/catalog_C0_2_1.php
http://www.rarewinchesters.com/gunroom/1866/model_66.shtml

What version is it? Caliber should be .44 rimfire, but some are converted to 44/40.

 

[Mike Webb]

DO NOT POLISH IT AT ALL!!! Many old winchesters are severely devalued by well meaning people trying to " make it look a little better". Unless you are an expert it's best to leave it alone.

 

[Win 38-55]

Please, I beg of you, DO NOT POLISH THE RECEIVER or any brass on any old rifle. Collectors look for and desire that antique mustard colored tarnish on old brass parts on old guns. If you polish it, you've just polished off a lot of $$$ in value.

 

[tinman905]

Thanks every one for your input. I will definetly not polish the brass or anything else for that matter. It's in fair to good condition I would think but that's my guess . I will try to post some pictures over the weekend

 

[Win 38-55]

I'd love to see those photos. There are not too many of those '66s floating around nowadays and it is always a treat to see one.

 

[mpjustin]

I'd love to see those photos. There are not too many of those '66s floating around nowadays and it is always a treat to see one.

I second that, love to see pics

 

[Matt74]

As above, don't clean and share pics! Neat gun to have and enjoy, congrats.
Matt

 

[sunray]

Doing anything to it will drop its value by half.

 

[John Spartan]

As the folks have said, do not polish it, however careful cleaning to maintain its current condition is an excellent idea. How about some tips for the original poster to guide him in this respect?

My tip: use conservator's wax or something similar for cleaning and to maintain the gun's current appearance.

 

[tinman905]

Pictures added . I was told the small dots are brass pins ,a common practice by Native Indians when decorating their rifles. I have no idea myself what they are.

 

[mpjustin]

I would love a gun like that. keep it the way it is. A nice piece of history

 

[Paatz]

Is that the Third model?
Looks to be in really good condition.
Is it a .44 rimfire?

 

[cote_b]

Theres a 4th model Winchester 1866 on Epps right now for $18,000. What a find that was!

 

[tinman905]

Theres a 4th model Winchester 1866 on Epps right now for $18,000. What a find that was!

This is a 4th model as well.

 

[tinman905]

Is that the Third model?
Looks to be in really good condition.
Is it a .44 rimfire?

Yes it's a .44 rimfire and 4th model

 

[Paatz]

Very special. So what are your plans?
Just hang on to it?

 

[tinman905]

Very special. So what are your plans?
Just hang on to it?

For now I am just going to hang onto it find out more what it's worth and what condition it is in . I have been told it's 50% to 70% .

 

[cote_b]

Can I be in your will?