North American Auction Company
Live Auction

New Year January Western Collector Sale

Sat, Jan 23, 2021 11:00AM EST
Lot 98

Winchester Model 1892 Octagon .44 WCF Rifle

Estimate: $2,750 - $3,500

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$25,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
For your consideration is a spectacular, beautifully restored, and engraved Winchester 1892 octagon rifle in desirable .44 WCF caliber (.44-40). This was the largest and most powerful chambering in the Browning designed 1892 and is the most sought-after caliber on the collector market today. This outstanding example, with serial number 343190, was made in 1906 and has been extensively and professionally restored using presentation grade fancy walnut in the butt stock and forearm. The exquisite walnut stock and forearm have been highly finished in what Winchester called their “Piano finish” used on high grade arms. This finish was designed to fill the wood pores and bring out the full color and grain of the walnut. The butt stock retains the classic crescent butt plate that is so attractive and traditional for this model. The metal surfaces display a deep, high polished blue finish. The sides of the receiver show well executed engraving of a traditional flower and scroll motif. The upper tang retains the early Winchester markings. The action is crisp and the bore is in fine condition, with good rifling all the way through. The 24” barrel is fitted with a simple buckhorn style rear sight with the original short German silver blade, Winchester front sight. The 1892 Winchester was Jonathan Browning’s answer to an updated repeating lever action rifle built to handle shorter cartridges. It was Winchester’s replacement to the older Model 1873. Basically a scaled down version of the powerfully built, big Model 1886, the 1892 was so successful that many are still in use today. The outstanding figured walnut on this rifle would easily cost $1,000 in “blank” unfinished form, before fitting and finishing. To replicate an engraved rifle like this, especially in the scarce and most desirable .44-40 chambering, would be an extremely expensive and time-consuming endeavor. This firearm qualifies as a Curio & Relic, and requires FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.