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March 4, 2026
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I am offering a Winchester Model 1866 rifle, serial number 117528, with 24″ octagon barrel, full magazine, highly figured deluxe-style walnut, and extensive Nimschke-style / New York-style scroll engraving with an LDN-type mark.
This rifle is **not represented as documented L.D. Nimschke work** and is not priced as an authenticated Nimschke-signed firearm. It is being offered as a very attractive, high-condition engraved 1866 with fine period-style hand engraving, strong visual presentation, and excellent wood-to-metal fit.
Seller-stated details:
* Winchester Model 1866 rifle, SN 117528
* Handbook date reference indicates 1873 production
* 24″ octagon barrel, full magazine
* Barrel address and configuration appear consistent with the serial/date range
* No visible indication of barrel replacement
* Bluing is very strong overall, with natural wear/age near the last few inches toward the muzzle
* Bore shows clear rifling with mild imperfections/depressions but no obvious pitting
* Crown and front sight are intact and clean
* Highly figured deluxe-style walnut with extremely tight wood-to-metal fit
* Buttplate serial number ends in the same digits as the bottom tang serial
* Approximately 1″ hairline crack at the top tang on the right side of the stock
* Extensive scroll engraving with punch-dot backgrounding and LDN-type initials
* Reportedly formerly from the Ladd Hellenbrand collection, who purchased it from Walter Earls
* Cody records reportedly do not document this serial number, which is consistent with limited surviving Model 1866 records in this range
I have put together a simple valuation/comps packet using recent actual-sale examples, including RIA, March in Montana, Poulin, and a Julia/Morphy visual reference. I am happy to send the packet and additional photos by private message or email.
**Price: $18,500 Or Best Offer.**
I will consider serious offers and may consider partial trades for fine smallbore shotguns, gold bullion, 2011-style handguns, or quality wood-stocked bolt-action rifles.
Please contact me privately if interested. Buyer and seller are responsible for complying with all applicable state and federal laws.
August 7, 2021
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Caliber????
May 2, 2009
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A 66 is going to 44 rim or a slim chance of it being 44 CF.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
January 20, 2023
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Do we know this seller?
- Bill
WACA # 65205; life member, NRA; member, TGCA; member, TSRA; amateur preservationist
"I have seen wicked men and fools, a great many of both, and I believe they both get paid in the end, but the fools first." -- David Balfour, narrator and protagonist of the novel, Kidnapped, by Robert Louis Stevenson.
November 19, 2006
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Zebulon said
Do we know this seller?
I believe the current owner brought this rifle forward before. He inherited it if I recall. Originally, I think he had wondered if the engraving was original LDN and we were able to help him clarify it wasn’t.
December 9, 2002
Online
Steve,
You are absolutely correct! The good news is that he has acknowledged that information and is not trying to pass this off as an original Nimschke.
“This rifle is **not represented as documented L.D. Nimschke work** and is not priced as an authenticated Nimschke-signed firearm”.
For him to come here and ask advice, then take that advice and advertise this here as a “Copy”,(we could argue on my wording), to me shows upstanding character. 
Tony
January 20, 2023
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Tony, concur.
- Bill
WACA # 65205; life member, NRA; member, TGCA; member, TSRA; amateur preservationist
"I have seen wicked men and fools, a great many of both, and I believe they both get paid in the end, but the fools first." -- David Balfour, narrator and protagonist of the novel, Kidnapped, by Robert Louis Stevenson.
March 4, 2026
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Chuck Ellison said
Caliber????
Hi Chuck,
No “printed” caliber on the gun, but my research and visual inspection indicate it’s a rimfire, and my bore swab was a .45 auto brush so .44 Henry Rimfire is my conclusion. Just don’t want to put anything in the listing that isn’t clearly factual and I’m not setup to measure the inside of the chamber.
March 4, 2026
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Hello WACA members,
I am posting links to my comps for this rifle and inviting members to make offers before I put this into a lot with some other guns and reach out to Rock Island Auctions to see if they can help me sell them. Feel free to shoot me a private message for more photos and details on the gun. I am attaching images of “final price sold” as well.
Comps used to support the asking price:
- Rock Island Auction — L.D.N. marked custom engraved Winchester 1866 rifle
Actual sale price: $11,163
This is the closest conservative comp because it is also LDN-marked and cataloged as custom engraved in the “style” of L.D. Nimschke. The stock on this gun is NOT deluxe, high-figure wood.
https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/1041/6047/ldn-marked-custom-engraved-winchester-model-1866-rifle - March in Montana — custom Nimschke-inspired engraved 1866 rifle
Actual sale price: $15,000
This is the best fair-market anchor in my view. Similar custom/Nimschke-inspired engraved 1866 rifle category, but that rifle had refinished/replated elements and a stock stress crack that’s more substantial. Also dows not have high figure wood and much more tarnished finish.
https://bid.marchinmontana.com/online-auctions/march-in-montana-auction/winchester-model-1866-lever-action-rifle-7116285 - Poulin Auction — custom extended-barrel engraved 1866 with fake “NIMSCHKE” / “LDN” signatures
Actual sale price: $9,840
This is a lower-floor comp. It is relevant because of the fake LDN/Nimschke issue, but it had a later 32″ barrel, reproduction 1000-yard sight, upgraded wood, and custom embellishment. My rifle appears stronger on barrel configuration, bore, finish, and overall presentation.
https://bid.poulinauctions.com/IMPRESSIVE-CUSTOM-EXTENDED-BARREL-ENGRAVED-EARLY_i59096519 - James D. Julia / Morphy — aftermarket Nimschke-style engraved 1866 rifle
Actual sale price: $31,050
I am not using this as a direct comp because it is a different category and does not have the same LDN-type initials issue. I include it only as a visual/upper reference showing the broader market for highly engraved Nimschke-style 1866 rifles when condition/category support it.
https://auctions.morphyauctions.com/lot-85007.aspx
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