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Attractive, Highly Desirable, and Well-Documented Ulrich Factory Engraved and Silver Plated Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle as Pictured in "Winchester Engraving" by R.L. Wilson Manufactured in 1869, this is an exceptional example of a factory engraved Winchester Model 1866 rifle, representing one of the earliest works by the legendary Ulrich brothers, who arrived in New Haven, Connecticut, at the Winchester factory in 1869. This particular rifle is unsigned, which is unsurprising given how early in their tenure at Winchester this would have been. This particular rifle is pictured on p. 70 of "Winchester Engraving" by R.L. Wilson in the chapter covering the Model 1866 and the Ulrichs. While not attributed to a specific Ulrich brother, it is believed that the engraving on this rifle is the work of either Conrad F. Ulrich or John Ulrich. This pair of Ulrich brothers in particular would go on to become two of the most influential and talented American engravers of the 19th century, creating a plethora of masterpieces for both Winchester and Marlin which remain extremely desirable among collectors to this day. On p. 68 of the same book, the Model '66 with serial number 27412 and a fairly similar engraving pattern is described as "considered one of the first Ulrich engraved Model 1866 rifles", illustrating just how early in their careers with Winchester this particular piece was crafted. The engraving on this particular rifle is extensive, encompassing most of the receiver, the sides of the forearm cap, and the tang of the buttplate, all of which have a special ordered silver plated finish. The right sideplate features a small game scene exhibiting a grouse in a field, while the left side has a blank escutcheon which was likely intended for a monogram or inscription. Both of these are surrounded by beautiful floral scrollwork illustrating the influence of Gustave Young on the Ulrichs through floral terminals and fill-ins, as well as a couple subtle "kidney" or clamshell shapes, which became very popular among the Ulrichs. The scrollwork continues on the top and bottom of the receiver, along with flourishes on the upper and lower tangs, the sides of the forearm cap, and the tang of the buttplate, with all of the components also having gadrooned borders. The top barrel flat is marked with the standard two-line Winchester address and King's patent marking, which had been transitioned to from the Henry's patent marking in the 23000 serial number range. The upper left flat of the barrel at the breech is marked "44 R.F." The serial number is marked in block numerals just behind the trigger and is followed by a perpendicular "L". The matching last four digits of the serial number are marked in the stock inlet and inside the buttplate. The left side of the lower tang is marked "S XX". It is fitted with a German silver half-moon blade front sight, a folding ladder rear sight, and sling swivels on the bottom of the forearm cap and bottom of the buttstock. It is mounted with a beautifully figured, smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent buttplate. Manufacturer: Winchester Model: 1866 BBL: 24 inch octagon Stock: walnut Gauge: 44 Henry RF Finish: blue/silver Serial Number25534 Class: Antique