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LOT 1029
Extraordinary and Extremely Rare Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Musket -
Serial no. 793390, 44-40 WCF cal., 30 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Designed by prolific firearms inventor John Browning, the Winchester Model 1892 rifle was a smaller and lighter version of the Model 1886 and a replacement to the legendary Model 1873. The Model 1892 was chambered in a variety of pistol calibers, including the desirable
.44 WCF cartridge. Offered here is a stunning example of a Winchester Model 1892 .44-
40 WCF musket. As one of the rarest variations of this model, this near mint Model 1892 musket is without a doubt worthy of the finest public or private collection and will be nearly impossible to improve upon. It is estimated that less than 1% of the total Model 1892 production was in the musket configuration due to Winchester’s failure to secure government contracts for the variation. Renowned Winchester expert and author George Madis noted that the vast majority of Model 1892 muskets were manufactured from 1906-
1913 with many found in Canada and England, suggesting a foreign contract. However, there are no records of foreign orders in the Winchester archives or purchase records in Canada or England (“The Winchester Book,” page 383).
Manufactured in 1915. The left side of the barrel is stamped with the two-line New Haven address/patent date marking ahead of the rear sight and “.44 WCF” at the breech. The musket is fitted with a pinned blade front sight and a folding ladder rear sight. A Winchester factory oval proof is stamped on the barrel and receiver at the breech. The upper tang carries the three-line model designation/trade mark information. The serial number is stamped on the underside of the receiver. Sling swivels are mounted on the underside of the middle barrel band and buttstock. Mounted with a smooth full length musket stock secured by three barrel bands and fitted with a trapdoor buttplate containing a five-piece cleaning rod.