British Proofed Winchester Model 1892 24″ .44-40 WCF Lever Rifle, 1908 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1651.26
LSB#: 210714SH11
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1892 Rifle
Serial Number: 440837
Year of Manufacture: 1908
Caliber: .44-40 Winchester (.44-40 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. PATENTED OCT. 14. 1884.” in front of the rear sight and at the receiver with “44 W.C.F.”. The underside of the receiver is marked “440837” at the front. The upper tang is marked “MODEL 1892 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK”. The bottom tang is marked “JJ”. Inspector marks “86” and “77” are marked on the bottom of the receiver in front of the locking blocks. The top-rear of the barrel and the top of the chamber ring have ovalled “WP” proofs. The left-rear of the barrel is marked “44” with a British proof mark. There are British proof marks on the left of the receiver at the top-front and the top of the bolt at the rear.
Barrel Length: 24 1/4″ (24″ nominal), Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is german silver blade slotted to a base dovetailed and screw-set 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 notch is fine adjustable for elevation. 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 checkered steel shotgun-style buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. There are a couple of more notable dings in the bottom of the forend, in the belly toward the toe, and at the rear edge of the buttstock on the right as well as an odd, stuttered scrape on the left of the belly. There is a small loss at the heel to the left of the buttplate’s tang. There is a minor crack at the left-front edge of the forend. The LOP measures 12 7/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has mostly worn to white with scattered light erosion and light wear in the well defined checkering. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.
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 pitting in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 75% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is a patch of wear on the top of the barrel in front of the forend. The magazine bracket is mostly worn to white and there is wear on the nosecap. The receiver has handling wear at the bottom-front and in the tangs. There are a series of scratches in the left receiver flat and nicks around the loading gate. There are some other scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches, most notable on the right of the barrel just in front of the wear spot. The worn areas generally show discoloration from oxidation and there is other scattered minor surface oxidation, most on the receiver. The lever’s case color has mostly muted, but there is some good color at the top-front near the locking blocks. 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.
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 1908 and chambered in .44-40 Winchester. This rifle is in about Very Good condition with about 75% 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 110+ 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 is also interesting as it has been across the pond, with British proof marks on the barrel, receiver and bolt, and has made it back without picking up any import markings. These markings and the rifles good original finish will make for a great addition to a Winchester collection. Please see our photos and good luck!