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LOT 3084
Exceptional Documented Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Trapper’s Saddle Ring Carbine in .44 W.C.F. with Desirable 15 Inch Barrel, ATF Exemption Letter, and George Madis Letter - Serial no. 998381, 44 WCF cal., 15 inch
round bbl., blue finish, gumwood stock. Manufactured c. 1929-1930, this is an exceptional example of a Winchester Model 1892 Trapper’s carbine with the desirable 15 inch barrel. These shorter than standard, utilitarian carbines often saw hard use by those who carried them, such as the trappers from whom they got their name. Many of these guns spent their life exposed to the elements along with their owners and used as a tool, with little thought of being viewed favorably in a future collector’s market. Thus, these carbines are, more often than not, seen with very little finish remaining and wearing all of the scars of their working life, making an example like this, in such outstanding condition, exceedingly rare. The desirable 15 inch barrel on this example is marked with two- line address and patent dates, as well as the caliber marking at the breech. There are Winchester factory oval proofs on the barrel and receiver at the breech. The upper tang is marked with the three-line trademark information and the serial number is marked on the bottom of the receiver. There is a discreet C.A.I. import mark on the lower tang. It is fitted with pinned blade front and folding ladder rear sights, as well as a saddle ring and staple on the left side of the receiver. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a carbine buttplate. Along with being in such a desirable configuration, this example is chambered in the most popular Model 1892 caliber, .44 W.C.F., and it exhibits the sort of exceptional condition that is so rarely seen among Trapper’s Carbines. Includes a 1997 dated ATF letter addressed to noted Winchester historian and author, George Madis, stating that the carbine has been removed from the provisions of the NFA. Also includes a letter from George Madis with his assessment of the carbine.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 85% plus of the original blue finish, well above what is normally seen on these trapper’s carbines,
with some scattered light handling and tool/takedown marks, and some light edge/high spot wear. The buttplate and both barrel bands are refinished with most remaining. The wood is also very fine with a chip absent near the top right of the tang near the frame juncture and some scattered light handling marks otherwise. Mechanically excellent. High condition trapper’s carbines like this one rarely surface on the market, do not miss this opportunity to add it to your collection!
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500
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