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LOT 13
Exceptionally Rare Special Order Factory Engraved Winchester Deluxe Model 92
Lever Action Carbine with Pistol Grip Stock and George Madis Letter - Serial no.
920818, 32 WCF cal., 20 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Offered here is a rarity
in Winchester collecting: a factory engraved deluxe version of the Model 92 carbine with
several rarely encountered special order features as manufactured in 1923. The accompanying
three page letter from Winchester expert and author George Madis outlines some of the special order
features found on this gun. Madis concluded, “I have carefully examined this rare deluxe 1892 inside and out, and
have determined it as all original as made by Winchester in 1923.” The rifle has a factory style 9 engraving consisting of
broad floral scrollwork on a punch dot background, wavy line and dot borders and a vignette of a standing deer on the right
side. Additional accents of scrollwork are found on the underside of the receiver by the serial number and near each Winchester
factory oval proof found on the barrel and receiver at the breech. Note that the proof on the receiver is offset to accommodate
the engraving. The style 9 engraving is illustrated in Winchester’s “Highly Finished Arms” catalog as reprinted in R.L. Wilson’s “The
Book of Winchester Engraving” on page 219. The checkered deluxe pistol grip
stock is rarely found on carbines and features
a high gloss lacquer finish, Winchester hard
rubber grip cap and rifle buttplate. A rifle
buttplate is rarely seen on carbines. Matching
assembly numbers (1119) are found on the
left side of the upper tang, stock inlet, inside
of the buttplate and buttstock under the
buttplate. The buttplate and pistol grip stock
were therefore assembled at the factory and
are original. The Lyman front and receiver sights
are also seldom found on carbines, but their
originality on this gun is verified by the fact
that no rear sight slot is cut in the barrel. The
base for the front sight was forged as part of
the barrel, which was standard on the Model 92.
The magazine tube support ring was standard
on the small caliber Model 92s. The left side of
the barrel has the two-line address/patent dates marking followed by the two-line
nickel steel marking and “32 WCF.” The upper tang is stamped with the three-line model/trade mark information.
CONDITION: Very fine. The carbine retains 85% plus original blue finish with the balance thinning to a brown. The wood is also
very fine showing some minor pressure dents and scratches, a few blemishes in the overall crisp checkering and retaining most
of the finish. Mechanically excellent. A wonderful example of a factory engraved Winchester deluxe Model 92 carbine with the
added bonus of several rarely encountered special order features.
Provenance: Quail Creek Collection.
Estimate: 60,000 - 90,000
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