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LOT 3091 Excellent Winchester Model 92 Lever Action Rifle in .44-40 W.C.F - Serial no. 993736, 44-40 WCF cal., 24 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. The Model 92 was an incredibly popular Winchester lever action since it was introduced in 1892, but by the post-World War I years the lever action market received sales received stiff competition for the growing popularity of bolt actions. In an attempt to give a boost in lever action sales, Winchester introduced the Model 53, which was basically a redesign of the Winchester Model 1892. Offered here is a transitional model as it has a combination of Model 92 and Model 53 features. The rifle falls in the Model 92 serial number range for arms manufactured in 1930. The left side of the barrel has the later production “MODEL 92” marking followed by “.44 W.C.F.” A Winchester factory oval proof is stamped on the barrel and receiver at the breech. The upper tang has the three-line Winchester trade mark (“WINCHESTER/ TRADE MARK/MADE IN U.S.A.”) as found on the Model 53. The underside of the receiver has the serial number. Fitted with a beaded blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight. The half magazine and serrated steel shotgun type buttplate are standard Model 53 features. The forearm and straight grip stock are plain walnut. CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 98% original blue finish with the buttplate thinning to a brown and some flaking on the hammer. The wood is also excellent with some scattered minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. A very attractive Winchester Model 92 transitional rifle. Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 3092 Excellent Winchester Model 65 Lever Action Rifle in Desirable .218 Bee - Serial no. 1004858, 218 bee cal., 24 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured between 1933-1947, with this example chambered in highly sought after .218 Bee. The barrel has a hooded blade ramp front sight, a filler block in the rear sight dovetail, a peep sight mounted on the bolt, and standard Winchester markings including “218 BEE” on the left side at the breech and a Winchester factory oval proof on the barrel and receiver at the breech. The plain pistol grip stock is fitted with a checkered shotgun buttplate. CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 97% plus original blue finish with some thinning on the buttplate and lever and a few scratches on the receiver. The wood is also excellent with some minor handling marks and nearly all of the original finish remaining. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500