The average 1866|Winchester Rifles|Forum|Winchester Collector

  When I started collecting 1866s I asked senior collectors and large dealers that same question. To my surprise they all had the same answer, the brass first, wood second,  and steel last. The brass (gun metal) has to have a natural aged darkening hopefully with the butterscotch look. Cleaned brass takes years to turn naturally. Artificially aged brass is a no go. The wood has to be numbered, original, and fit. The barrel and tube does not need to be nice blue like found on a newer gun. Turned blue, patina, or even a natural aged brown will do. Action has to function, bore is not that important. Being rim fire it’s probably a gun you will not shoot.

 These are old well used guns so your wallet will determine condition. Do not settle for a made up, restored, or abused gun. Bubba has been working on these since they were made so any original gun is rare.

  Muskets are cheap and hard to sell, collectors prefer carbines and rifles with brass trim. I have had good luck buying nice 66s at Tulsa under the money. The old collector that’s cashing in remembers what he paid for it back when and sometimes sells real reasonable for cash. The big dealers know what they can get and usually get it. As for auction companies, you have to have the gun in your hand, to much money to take a chance on an old well used gun unless you’ve  seen it. T/R

mrcvs said

TR said
  When I started collecting 1866s I asked senior collectors and large dealers that same question. To my surprise they all had the same answer, the brass first, wood second,  and steel last. The brass (gun metal) has to have a natural aged darkening hopefully with the butterscotch look. Cleaned brass takes years to turn naturally. Artificially aged brass is a no go. The wood has to be numbered, original, and fit. The barrel and tube does not need to be nice blue like found on a newer gun. Turned blue, patina, or even a natural aged brown will do. Action has to function, bore is not that important. Being rim fire it’s probably a gun you will not shoot.
 These are old well used guns so your wallet will determine condition. Do not settle for a made up, restored, or abused gun. Bubba has been working on these since they were made so any original gun is rare.
  Muskets are cheap and hard to sell, collectors prefer carbines and rifles with brass trim. I have had good luck buying nice 66s at Tulsa under the money. The old collector that’s cashing in remembers what he paid for it back when and sometimes sells real reasonable for cash. The big dealers know what they can get and usually get it. As for auction companies, you have to have the gun in your hand, to much money to take a chance on an old well used gun unless you’ve  seen it. T/R
  

This is very helpful.  One I’m aware of has the proper appearance of the brass, it’s the bluing, or mostly lack thereof, that I’m concerned with—and makes me hesitate, thinking I should hold out for one better.  Maybe not…
  

Ian – its like every other model of the lever action Winchesters – originality and condition greatly influence the price. Look at the condition and fit of the wood carefully because so many have been taken apart or are parts guns. Once you see the aged, mustard brass of a 66 that is right, you will never forget it. Good original bluing is hard to find and it will likewise drive up the price. I have known you to be a deep thinker with a good eye and I am confident that you will find what you are looking for. Fifty years ago my old friend Tommy Rholes told me that appreciation in Winchesters would be in brass and case hardening. If I was starting over, I would collect 19th century model, antique specimens only. Here are some photos of a super carbine which my wife gave me for Christmas 30 years ago. Look at the mustard colored brass, wood to metal fit and barrel blue – rifle or carbine, this is what you are looking for.

One point that we haven’t mentioned is the barrel address.  Any 66 with the early Henry barrel address is worth many thousands more than the later Winchester address. 

tim tomlinson said
Burt,  Wonderful carbine!  Tim T. 
  

Tim – it is the best I have ever seen – the burl walnut used on those stocks makes you drool. To change the subject a bit, I was just scheduling an appointment in April and when looking at my WACA calendar I noticed the photo of the Model 1901 shotgun – where did you ever get an 01 with that much condition – you are one lucky boy!

mrcvs said

Burt Humphrey said

tim tomlinson said
Burt,  Wonderful carbine!  Tim T. 
  

Tim – it is the best I have ever seen – the burl walnut used on those stocks makes you drool. To change the subject a bit, I was just scheduling an appointment in April and when looking at my WACA calendar I noticed the photo of the Model 1901 shotgun – where did you ever get an 01 with that much condition – you are one lucky boy!
  

I should have bought that 1901.  It was very tempting!
  

Pictures of this wonderful 1901 would be nice to see.

Tony

On the 1866, if you’re really into originality, make sure it’s not been converted from .44 rimfire to .44 centerfire, quick pic or look at front face of the bolt will tell you that, and it’s easy to spot…for some folks it doesn’t matter either way. Mine’s still in rimfire config and I like that, even if it will likely never be shot again…by me, at least!

Burt,  I am twice blessed of late.  Its something that occasionally happens if you wait and look long enough!  I have one photo of the 1901 with a Chesapeake Bay Retriever in the foreground.  She was “helping” with the photography. She loves to help at whatever I am doing.  My Golden, on the other hand, gets bored, wanders off and gets in trouble.  Tim

I am jealous of the 1901, I’ve been watching out for a “reasonable” one…mine had 2″ cut off the barrel in its past. Very nice!

One went on RIA pretty recently and not too terrible but a little much with the BP and fees added.

Looks like they sold other 1866’s, is the market improving or did they have multiple bidding wars? Good luck on your quest, I don’t think this is the gun you’re looking for.

Mike