1866 Winchester .44 Rimfire. 23 ½” octagon barrel. Fine engraving. Signed on bottom frame “LDN”. Serial #20927. Mechanically functional, engraving is crisp with little wear and a golden patina. The first Winchester Rifle – the Model 1866 – often referred to as the “Yellowboy” because of the distinctive brass receiver was a refinement from the earlier Henry rifle. It included many improvements developed by Nelson King who worked as the factory manager in the Winchester plant.  This exceptional rifle was engraved by master engraver Louis Daniel Nimschke (1832-1904). Nimschke moved to the United States from Germany in 1850 and at age 18 began an engraving career that lasted a lifetime. Unlike most engravers who went to work for the firearms company, Nimschke took his work on a contractual basis, preferring to work out of his studio in New York City where he engraved firearms for Theodore Roosevelt, George Armstrong Custer, Buffalo Bill, and Napoleon III. $25,000-50,000 Provenance: Private collection, North Platte, NE. Fine condition overall. No blue remaining on barrel, has turned to gun metal grey. Brass shows nice, even patina. Stock in fine condition, showing usual evidence of use and wear. Mechanically functional. Engraving is crisp with very little wear and a golden patina.