Winchester Model 1892 24” Round .32-20 WCF Lever Action Rifle, 1901 C&R

SOLD FOR: $4,026.00

LSB#: WY240725JT030

Make: Winchester Repeating Arms

Model: 1892 Rifle

Serial Number: 159996

Year of Manufacture: 1901 C&R

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 “159996” at the front. The upper tang is marked “MODEL 1892 / -WINCHESTER- / PAT. OCT. 14. 1884.”.

Barrel Length: 24″. The barrel is round, rather than the more common octagon.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a nickel 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 factory 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 LOP measures 12” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are a few handling marks, but there are no chips or cracks. The buttplate displays a strong amount of case color with no notable erosion. Overall, the stocks are in Excellent  condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong throughout. The case color on the lever and hammer is strong and vibrant with minimal muting. Outside of a few minor handling marks, minor thinning on the leading edges, and faint intermittent oxidation on the receiver, this rifle has been exceptionally preserved. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Excellent 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: This rifle comes with a Cody Firearms Museum Winchester Repeating Fire Arms letter confirming a received in Warehouse and Shipped Date of 1901, order number 119223, and Round Barrel in .32 Caliber.

Our Assessment: This Winchester Model 1892 chambered in .32-20 WCF with a 24” round barrel, manufactured in 1901, is a superb example of Winchester’s legendary lever-action rifles, renowned for their reliability, balance, and enduring design. Retaining approximately 98% of its original blue finish, this rifle showcases remarkable preservation, complemented by strong, vibrant case coloring on the lever and hammer. Its bright bore with sharp rifling, rated at an impressive 9/10, underscores the exceptional condition and minimal usage of this fine firearm. Distinctive features include a classic nickel silver blade front sight, traditional elevator rear sight, and a beautifully finished walnut stock and capped forend with a steel crescent buttplate that retains impressive original case colors.

Further enhancing its collectability, this Winchester Model 1892 includes a Cody Firearms Museum letter verifying its originality and confirming shipment details from 1901, making it particularly appealing to collectors seeking historically documented firearms. The sharp and clear markings on both the barrel and receiver, along with minimal handling wear and crisp mechanics, position this rifle among the finest surviving examples of early 20th-century Winchester lever-action craftsmanship. Whether destined for a curated collection or for enthusiasts who appreciate timeless design and superb condition, this rifle represents an outstanding blend of historical significance, pristine preservation, and enduring Winchester legacy. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! -L.S.