Extremely Rare Winchester Model 1892 Short Rifle .. (F1083) SOLD

Rare Short Winchester Model 1892 Rifle

First glance and you’d think it was a carbine but, it isn’t.  Carbines are typically seen with musket butt-plates, saddle rings and one or two barrel bands.  This 1892 has none of those features.  This Short Rifle is a rare thing on this side of the pond and any Winchester collector who knows his onions or Winchesters should take note.  Yes, some carbines were produced with crescent moon steel butt-plates but that is where the similarity ends.  It is the combination of the others features, that when taken in as one, start to stir the interests.  And, yes, carbines can be found with 20″ barrels but they are all fixed with barrel bands. This rifle has all the features of a rifle but comes in a carbine sized package.  Lets look at exactly what we have here on offer.

Model 1892 lever action rifle in .44-40 with a 20″ octagonal barrel.  Barrel not secured by barrel bands but in the rifle manner. Overall the rifle is 38″ long from muzzle to toe of crescent moon steel butt-plate.  There is no carbine saddle ring on the back of the action.  Trigger pull to centre is 12.3/4″.  The upper tang is marked as follows; “MODEL 1892 / – WINCHESTER – / TRADE MARK REG. IN U.S. PAT OFF.”  The serial number on the front underside of the action is; “726431”  Adjacent to the fore-end steel cap, on the LHS 45 degree flat, is the  following; “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN CONN. U.S.A. PATENTED OCTOBER 14. 1884”  On the crest of the action and the rear top flat of the barrel is are the in-house Winchester proof marks.  The calibre marking of “44 W.C.F.” are on the LH 45 degree flat of the barrel behind the sights.  On the obverse are all the British Nitro proof markings.  “crowned G.P” on rear of bolt and top of action.  The rear sights are the standard sporting buckhorn Winchester type with full elevation adjustment.  Dovetailed front sight.  Hammer spur cross-hatched within a simple boarder.

Serial number puts manufacture in 1913.  Finish is strong all over and fading to plumb brown in parts.  Strong vibrant blues to steel fore-end cap, lower tang, hammer, trigger, bolt and loading gate.  Showing the same at about 50% on the lever and trigger guard.  Strong blue to the tube magazine.  The barrel has very minor surface disruption but still strong colour some of which is once again turning darker.  The high edges have survived reasonably well and mostly have colour to them.  Small areas of colour remain on the butt-plate.  There is a hint of a possible refinish some time ago but this is minimal.  No damaged or bubberd screws.   Good patina and finish to all the woodwork.  Minor markings from the passage of time, but certainly not a bunk-house gun.  Actions works fine.

An addition to the rifle is the tang sight fixed to the upper tang.  It is a contemporary Lyman lockable type.  On the upper surface it is marked “LYMAN / MIDDLEFIELD / CONN.USA.” A knurled collar allows elevation adjustment to the aperture.  The barrel looks like a new one ! Rifling is very good and bright with depth to grooves  Condition inside and out on this Short Rifle is exactly as most collectors would be hoping for.

FAC required.  Stock No’ 1083 

£ 3950.  SOLD

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