Winchester Model 1892 92 24″ Octagonal .44-40 WCF Lever Rifle, 1893 Antique
SOLD FOR: $2252
LSB#: 210424MA48
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1892 Rifle
Serial Number: 31781
Year of Manufacture: 1893
Caliber: .44-40 Winchester (.44-40 W.C.F.)
Action Type: Lever Action, Tubular Magazine Fed
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “-MANUFACTURED BY THE- / -WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A.-” in front of the rear sight and at the receiver with “44 W.C.F.”. The underside of the receiver is marked “31781” at the front. The upper tang is marked “MODEL 1892 / -WINCHESTER- / PAT. OCT. 14. 1884.”.
Barrel Length: 24″, Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a german-silver blade in a slotted base dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch semi-buckhorn elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight including an after-market hole drilled in the top tang markings. No tang sight is present.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and steel crescent buttplate. The stocks have some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is discoloration at most edges where the wood meets the metal. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 12 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered wear and light erosion. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good-Fine condition as refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is well defined. There is scattered light erosion and some light pitting in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 7% of its metal finish. The surfaces have mostly gone to a light-moderate patina with blue finish remaining at the rear of the left receiver flat, around the hammer and around the locking bolts on the bottom of the receiver. Most edges have worn to white. There is scattered light surface oxidation and less frequent light surface erosion. There are some scattered nicks and scratches with light tool marks around most screw heads and more notable marks around the top tang screw heads. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety position. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This is a Winchester Model 1892 Rifle made in 1893 and chambered in .44-40 Winchester. This rifle is in about Very Good condition as Antique with about 7% of its original finish remaining. The bore shows wear and erosion, but the mechanics are strong. This vintage rifle has seen some honest wear over the last 125+ years but is in very good mechanical condition. The .44-40 Win. cartridge was a very popular cartridge in its day which would put food on the table, protect livestock and defend hearth and home. This rifle should be of interest to the Winchester collectors and with its strong mechanics, it could be restored and taken back out in the field. Please see our photos and good luck!