Winchester Patent Model

[Henry4440]

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Winchester Patent Model, improvement to the legendary Henry lever action rifle, .44 cal., 24” round barrel and loading tube, brass frame and sliding fore end, wood stocks, serial #8. This patent model exemplified the desired improvements to problems confronting the Henry rifle, namely elimination of the fragile forward loading gate and closing of the open slot in the lower area of the magazine tube; predecessor to the famous “yellow boy” Model 1866 rifle.
This gun is pictured in “The Henry Rifle” by Les Quick, is mentioned in the Spring 2009 edition of “The Texas Gun Collector” and the Model is discussed in Herbert Houze’s book “Winchester Repeating Arms Co.; Its History & Development from 1865 to 1981” where it is noted Maximilian I of Mexico ordered some of the Model in late 1865/early 1866. Only approx. 6 of these Patent Models are known and this is the only rifle known as the others are reportedly 19” barrel carbine styles. Worthy of inclusion in any museum or serious Winchester collection. Est.: $100,000-$200,000.




 

[Fox Creek Kid]

That's why I agree with Houze that the '66 did NOT start where the Henry left off. 

[Henry4440]

That's why I agree with Houze that the '66 did NOT start where the Henry left off. 

 

[Trailrider]

That's why I agree with Houze that the '66 did NOT start where the Henry left off. 

No, but I would have to say Nelson King started where B. Tyler Henry left off!    King took over as plant superintendent when Henry resigned/retired from the company.  Eventually, of course King's patent prevailed in Winchester and other rifles, except in some .22 rimfires, where the magazine tube liner is partially withdrawn and the cartridges dropped into the small slot on the underside of the tube.

[Coffinmaker]

It really doesn't matter who flung dung or when it was flung at this point in history, nor what numbers started when.  The ONLY important consideration is I WANT ONE OF THOSE!!! 
The KOOL factor is stratospheric.
But, just think how much fun it would be when that little fore end slid forward under recoil and uncovered the loading port ....

Coffinmaker

[Henry4440]

But, just think how much fun it would be when that little fore end slid forward under recoil and uncovered the loading port ....

Coffinmaker

 

[Fox Creek Kid]

...The ONLY important consideration is I WANT ONE OF THOSE!!! 
The KOOL factor is stratospheric...

Well, lay off the golf course & the poker games and get into your shop & make one!!  This is a project very "doable" IMO for someone with a mill & lathe. You'd need a donor Uberti Henry and have to get another barrel (round) which is no problem & then chamber for say .44-40. You could use an Uberti '66 mag tube I believe. Fabricating the forearm would be tough.

On another note, observe how this rifle has the rounded frame section in front of the ejection port as the very last of the Henry rifles had.

[Coffinmaker]

And on another note note  Notice those swell barrel bands, especially the one with the sling swivel
Round '73 barrel with either a '73 or '66 mag tube.  Have to find a big enough piece of brass for the fore end slider or cast one.  The slider does appear to have "locks" to keep it in place during firing.
Could be a real fun Winter project

Coffinmaker

[FriscoCounty]

Wouldn't it make more sense to start with an 1866 and just replace the side plate with a Henry side plate? 

[Coffinmaker]

Frisco,

The side plates are entirely different.  You also can't buy a "finished" side plate for a Henry.  What you get is a nice flat piece of brass that requires a lot if machine work to even begin to fit.  So, anything you want to do to a Henry, has to be done to a Henry.
You can however, install a one piece Henry barrel/mag tube assembly on a '66 frame.  Lotta work, but it can be done.

Coffinmaker

[Raven]

If someone wants to give me a Henry I will build one
I'll take a Henry as a partial trade for the work

Raven