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Rare Documented Winchester Model 1892 Sporting Rifle with Factory Nickel-Plated Finish, Smooth Bore

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:13,000.00 USD Estimated At:25,000.00 - 50,000.00 USD
Rare Documented Winchester Model 1892 Sporting Rifle with Factory Nickel-Plated Finish, Smooth Bore
Winchester Model 1892 Sporting Rifle with full nickel plated finish and "101" boldly branded on the right side of the stock. The rifle is accompanied by a Winchester Gun Museum letter dated April 23, 1963 that states: "The Winchester 1892 serial number records describe number 54117 as a rifle, caliber 44, octagon barrel, nickel, plain trigger and smoothbore. It was shipped from the factory on January 18, 1896." The "101" brand and smoothbore barrel almost certainly indicate that the rifle was used by the famous 101 Ranch and Wild West Show located at Ponca City, Oklahoma. With the exception of the full nickel-plated finish, smooth bore barrel and "101" stock brand the rifle is a standard configuration Model 1892 Sporting Rifle with octagon barrel, full length magazine, crescent buttplate and straight grain walnut stock and forearm. The barrel has a dove-tailed front sight with nickel-silver blade and a sporting style rear sight. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line legend: "- MANUFACTUED BY THE- / - WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A. -" ahead of the rear sight and the caliber designation "44 W.C.F." behind it. The upper receiver tang is roll-stamped: "MODEL 1892 / -WINCHESTER- / PAT.OCT.14.1884." in three lines. The serial number "54117" is located on the lower front edge of the receiver.
BBL: 24 inch
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 44 WCF Smoothbore
Finish: nickel
Grips:
Serial Number: 54117


Very fine. The rifle retains nearly 70% of the original nickel-plated finish overall with scattered light flaking but no serious finish loss. The markings are crisp. The stock and forearm are in fine condition with minor handling marks and traces of the original varnish finish. The "101" brand on the right side of the stock is sharp. This is a rare and unique, special order Winchester Model 1892 Sporting Rifle associated with one of the most famous of all the American Wild West Shows. No excuses or apologies here! The factory letter says it all!