Bert and others,
Were the first 1866’s made on the same production line as the last Henrys’ ? I know production numbers inter-mingle on the models and want to know when and what serial numbers of both models overlap. Also, when were Winchester records started on the 1866 and did any Henrys get recorded. Is this a McCracken research project ?
Bill
Bill,
Yes, the very early Model 1866 rifles were made on the same production line as the Henry rifles (in Bridgeport, CT). The lowest known Model 1866 serial number is in mid to upper 12,000 range, and the highest known Henry is in the 14,000 range.
Because the early Model 1866 records no longer exist, it is not known exactly when Winchester began keeping detailed records on them. I am not aware of any available information that can be researched at the McCracken research library on this subject.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
I have old research I obtained and in it there is a 66 prototype carbine sold in a Julia’s Auction 10/06 lot 1094 serial 12272. It has all the features of a 66 but was made using a Henry receiver. They made the forearm to extend back to fill the radius on the front bottom of a Henry receiver. The next one after that is a carbine serial 12476 and then 12937 which was engraved carbine. After that serial number they are fairly consistent.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
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