WTB original 1866|Page 2|Winchester Swap Meet|Forum|Winchester Collector

  1866 collectors are different than some of the collectors of more modern guns. These guns are old and don’t have the condition, you have to be prepared to settle for less condition. Metal without blue, no wood finish, and a poor bore are not a problem. The brass is important, collectors want an aged receiver that has not been fooled with, no cracks, no repairs, and still retains proper shape. The wood has to be original and fit the metal. You want an original gun, but it does not have to be high condition to enjoy it. My 66s have been there, done that, but are still original. I never get tired of looking at them, neat guns.  T/R

I think everything TR said goes for any Winchester.  But, the one thing about the the Henry and 1866 that is different is they lose value if they have been polished.  If so the value goes down a lot.  The patina takes may years to come back.   Wards just sold 2 1866 carbines.  Take a look at the prices.  The first one has been sanded way too much.

https://www.wardscollectibles.com/auction/A102/viewcat.php?category=4