Early Winchester Model 1892 24″ .32-20 WCF Lever Action Rifle, 1893 Antique

SOLD FOR: $1025

LSB#: 210706ML64

Make: Winchester Repeating Arms

Model: 1892 Rifle

Serial Number: 30760

Year of Manufacture: 1893

Caliber: .32-20 Winchester (.32-20 Winchester Center Fire)

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 “32 W.C.F.”. The underside of the receiver is marked “30760” at the front. The upper tang is marked “MODEL 1892 / -WINCHESTER- / PAT. OCT. 14. 1884.”.

Barrel Length: 24 1/4″ (24″ nominal), Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is german silver blade slotted to a base dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch leaf and elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a peep sight (none included).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip and steel crescent buttplate. The stocks have several scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches with a few scattered deeper dings, a more notable scratch on the right of the forend and scraping on the right of the comb toward the front. There is weathering in the belly of the stock toward the toe. There is a short crack at the rear of the forend on the right. The LOP measures 12 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered wear and surface erosion, but does retain some blue finish in the face. Overall, the stocks are in Good-Very Good condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blued, there is some Black Paint on the barrel.

Finish Originality: Remaining blue finish is original, the black paint on the barrel is not.

Bore Condition: The bore is dark gray. The rifling is worn, but visible. There is light erosion and pitting scattered through the bore.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 25% of its metal finish. Remaining finish is mostly in protected areas such as the top of the magazine tube, around the hammer, lever and other raised features. The barrel has scattered patches and areas of black paint, with most other surfaces having gone to a patina mottled with wear. The receiver has a similarly mottled appearance with mixed blue finish, wear, and oxidation. There are several scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action has operational wear. The screw heads show tool use with serviceable slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this rifle is in Good-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 quite early in production, 1893. The rifle is chambered in .32-20 Winchester and has a 24″ octagonal barrel. This rifle is in Good-Very Good condition as Antique, with honest wear consistent with its age and use. There is some original blue finish remaining and the barrel was painted black at some point to help protect it. The lever locks up solidly and the action functions correctly. The .32-20 Win. cartridge was a very popular cartridge in its day which would put food on the table, protect livestock and defend hearth and home. It was once a favorite with farmers, ranchers, pot hunters and trappers. With some original finish and early manufacture date, this rifle should be of interest to the Winchester collectors. Please see our photos and good luck!