First Year Winchester Model 1892 .32 W.C.F. 24″ Lever Action Rifle, Antique

SOLD FOR: $1550

LSB#: 210917MW84

Make: Winchester Repeating Arms

Model: 1892

Serial Number: 2952

Year of Manufacture: 1892

Caliber: .32 W.C.F. (.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 “2952” 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 a blade that is dovetailed and set screwed to 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. There is a repaired crack that connects from the left side of the wrist to the front of the lower tang. There is also a filled gash on the left rear of the gash. There are two more splits on the right side of the wrist. There are repaired splits on the front left side and bottom of the forearm. There is weathering throughout the wood. The LOP measures 12 7/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered wear and light pitting. Overall, the stocks are in Fair-Good condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Bright

Finish Originality: Polished Bright

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

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 0% of its metal finish. There is pitting around the front of the barrel ahead of the sight. The sides of the receiver show streaks from the polishing. There is a very light patina throughout the metal surfaces. There are scattered lighter spots of erosion throughout the barrel. There are several scattered nicks, dings 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-Plus 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: When asked by Winchester to design an improved lever action to compete with a recent Marlin offering, John Browning said he would have the prototype completed in under a month or it would be free. Within two weeks, Browning had a functioning prototype of the ’92. This is a Winchester Model 1892 Rifle made in the first year of production, with the low serial number of 2952. The rifle is chambered in .32-20 Winchester and has a 24″ octagonal barrel. 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. This rifle is in Good-Plus condition as Antique, with honest wear consistent with its age and use. The lever locks up solidly and the action functions correctly.  With a first year manufacture date, this rifle should be of interest to the Winchester collectors. Please see our photos and good luck!