79. Very Rare Engraved Winchester Model 1866 Flatside Saddle Ring Carbine; S.N. 13,5XX. Possible factory conversion to .44 CF, good plus bore with strong rifling and numerous pits. Overall very good plus with fairly clean metal. Rear of barrel is a thinning blue gray patina, front of barrel is a dark blue plum brown patina. Magazine retains considerable darkening blue which is starting to turn a plum blue patina. Louis D. Nimschke engraved in his pattern 'A' style ( see page 48 of Wilson's L.D. Nimschke Firearms Engraver book). Typical scrolls with punch-dot background along with banners, shell and other geometric motifs. ' L. D. N.' appears within a motif behind the trigger. A tiny 1/2 inch vertical crack is barely visible on each side of the upper frame in the area of the breechbolt face. This is the reason Winchester beefed up the forward frame in short order. Brass corners are slightly rounded but overall the engraving is fairly crisp. Walnut is quite nice as refinished. There are a couple of dings at the rear of the forearm and the toe of the buttstock has been expertly repaired. Wood lightly sanded and nicely refinished- fairly full fitting- just a bit undersized near the upper and lower tangs. Excellent markings and all numbers match. Engraved flatsides are rarely seen on the market.