dane62 said
I have several of these bore mirrors that are marked Winchester 1892. The small one is unmarked and appears to be for a 22 caliber rifle. Does anyone have any knowledge about these?Thanks, Dana
I did find them listed in my 1916 catalog. They’re called, “The Winchester Barrel Reflector” and are described as, “For Examining he Inside of Winchester Rifle Barrels.” “Price, 50 Cents.”
“Made in different sizes. When ordering specify Model of Rifle in which the Reflector is to be used.”
“Directions – Withdraw the breech-block. Place the glass on top of the carrier, the mirror toward the chamber. Hold the muzzle of the gun toward the light, and the inside of the barrel will be seen reflected in he mirror.”
I wonder how many different sizes they made? And I wonder what range of years this product was offered?
As far as I can tell the “barrel reflector” first shows up in the June 1887 catalog on page 44. The one I have must be one of the early ones as it’s not marked with the “Model 1892” date. One can presume that when they were introduced in 1887 they would fit the 1866, 1873, 1876, and 1886. My guess is that it would not fit the Hotchkiss. Not sure about the Single Shot but as you can look through the breech out the barrel the reflector is not needed.
The first line of the instructions say, “Withdraw the breech block leaving the carrier in its lowest position.” Ad does mention reflector is adapted to the Springfield Musket.
I call myself a collector as it sounds better than hoarder
Fall 2013 – The Winchester Collector Magazine
- “The Winchester Barrel Reflector” By Mark Jones – Pages 38-40
There is a nice three page article that discusses four variations in the above magazine.
Sincerely,
Maverick
WACA #8783 - Checkout my Reloading Tool Survey!
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-research-surveys/winchester-reloading-tool-survey/
This sold at the Redding auction on saturday. Pretty nice condition. This must be the early type for the 1876 and 1886 guns? It isn’t marked 1892. Winchester – Brass Mirror Bore Light – Good Marking | Firearms & Military Artifacts Firearms | Online Auctions | Proxibid
According to the article referenced by Maverick (Fall 2013 issue) the one sold at auction is the 3rd variation which was specifically adapted to fit the Model 1892 and Model 1890 rifles. According to the article this variation was made 1914-1940.
I call myself a collector as it sounds better than hoarder
dane62 said
This sold at the Redding auction on saturday. Pretty nice condition. This must be the early type for the 1876 and 1886 guns? It isn’t marked 1892. Winchester – Brass Mirror Bore Light – Good Marking | Firearms & Military Artifacts Firearms | Online Auctions | Proxibid
Well i know someone who got a hell of a deal on one of these!
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