Japanese Marked Early Winchester 1866 Saddle Ring Carbine (AW370)

Serial number 16755. Made in 1868. 44 RF caliber with a 20” barrel. This is an early gun with the Henry marked address. Very sharp gun that appears to have been in a fire as there is fire scale on both the barrel and the frame. The wood is well made replacements and they are professionally fitted. As sharp as the metal is, the wood fits the condition well. The most interesting feature of this gun is on the top of the barrel by the frame where there is a Japanese mum. Obviously this gun was in Japan at some time.  The date of manufacture coincides with when Emperor Meiji took control and started modernizing Japan. Very interesting early Winchester 1866 Saddle Ring Carbine!