Winchester Model 1892 92 24” Round .44-40 WCF Lever Rifle, 1897 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,935.00
LSB#: LSB250520ST011
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1892 Rifle
Serial Number: 149800
Year of Manufacture: 1897, Antique
Caliber: .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.PAT OCT. 14. 1884.-”. The top of the barrel at the rear is marked “.44 W.C.F”. The top of the barrel and chamber ring are marked with Winchester WP proofs. The top tang is marked “MODEL 1892 / -WINCHESTER- / PAT.OCT.14.1884”. The bottom of the receiver is marked “149800”.
Barrel Length: 24? Nominal, 24 1/4? Measured, Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Marble No.3 beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch elevator semi-buckhorn sight dovetailed to the barrel. The tang is installed with a Lyman Tang Sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece wood with straight grip, straight comb, crescent buttplate, and capped forend. The stocks display typical aging. There is a small loss in the top left corner of the grip at the receiver. There are scattered compressions, nicks, scuffs, and scratches. There are no notable cracks. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks rate in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color Hammer & Lever
Finish Originality: Original (Heavily Cleaned)
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with defined rifling. There is modest erosion throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 10% of its metal finish. Most of the finish has worn or been scrubbed to white. There is minor erosion throughout the metal. There are scattered nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in 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 Winchester Model 1892 was manufactured in 1897 and qualifies as an antique under federal law. Chambered in the legendary .44-40 W.C.F., it represents one of the most iconic lever-action rifles of the Old West era. Designed by John Browning, the 1892 was a refinement of earlier Winchester lever guns, offering a compact, strong, and lightweight action well-suited for pistol-caliber cartridges. Rifles like this one would have been a favorite of ranchers, hunters, and frontiersmen who needed a reliable tool in a powerful but manageable caliber—particularly when paired with a revolver chambered in the same round.
This example features a 24” round barrel, Lyman tang sight, and well-worn but honest wood stocks that show age-appropriate handling marks and character. The bore remains mostly bright with defined rifling, though moderate erosion is present. Mechanically, the action is sound and smooth, with a crisp trigger and functional half-cock safety. While most of the original finish has been cleaned away over time, this 1892 retains clear markings. Whether you’re a Winchester collector, a student of the American West, or simply appreciate the timeless design of a classic lever-action rifle, this antique Model 1892 offers historical authenticity and mechanical integrity in equal measure. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
