In order to participate in the GunBroker Member forums, you must be logged in with your GunBroker.com account. Click the sign-in button at the top right of the forums page to get connected.

Winchester 1866 model rifle information

well2308well2308 Member Posts: 2 ✭✭
edited January 2007 in Ask the Experts
Is there any source where I can go to see what store, shop etc. this was sold to orginally? I know this is an old gun, but do any records exist on this? I am doing some family history research and would like to know where this gun came from.

Please help!

S.M.
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • schintzieschintzie Member Posts: 129 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Hello well2308,

    If the serial number of your firearm is between 125,000 and 170,101, contact the Cody Firearms Museum at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center at (307) 578-4031. They have the original factory ledgers of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, and can supply you with a "factory letter" regarding your 1866. For the most part, this will be limited to information about the original configuration of your firearm, such as caliber, barrel length, and any special order features. Customers or destinations were not usually included in the Winchester records. If your '66 is outside of this serial number range, more than likely the factory records no longer exist.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Bert H.Bert H. Member Posts: 11,281 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Here is the list of the Model 1866 serial numbers that can be researched - http://www.bbhc.org/firearms/popup_WinchesterRecords.cfm

    This link tells you what a factory letter consists of - http://www.bbhc.org/firearms/records.cfm

    As schintzie pointed out, it is very rare that the factory ledgers have any information as to where or to whom an individual gun was sold.

    WACA Historian & Life Member

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Sign In or Register to comment.