Winchester Model 1892 “The Stinger” Trapper – Perry Brothers (Land Down Under)|What's New!|Forum|Winchester Collector

Winchester Model 1892 “The Stinger” Trapper – Perry Brothers (Australia)

I wanted to share one of the more interesting export-marked Model 1892 Trappers in my collection and invite any additional insight from members.

Thank you to Micheal Puzio, and Chris D any many others for already providing your input. 

Firearm Details

• Model: Winchester Model 1892
• Configuration: Trapper
• Barrel Length: 15 inches
• Calibre: .32-20 WCF
• Capacity: 8-shot
• Serial Number: 351439
• Date of Manufacture: 1906
• Markings: “THE STINGER” with wasp emblem
• Retailer: Perry Brothers Ltd., Brisbane, Queensland 🇦🇺
• Documentation: Cody Firearms Museum letter pending (in the mail)

 Historical Background & Context

During the period from the 1890s through approximately 1920, the Winchester Repeating Arms Company shipped quantities of Model 1892 carbines to Perry Brothers Ltd., one of Queensland’s largest and most influential hardware and firearms importers.

These rifles were sold under Perry Brothers’ proprietary trade name “The Stinger.” Importantly, these were not aftermarket alterations. Surviving examples and period advertising indicate the rifles were factory-marked at Winchester prior to export, bearing:

• A wasp emblem, and
• The inscription “THE STINGER” stamped on the barrel above the standard Winchester rollmarks.

Australian Use & Calibre Choice

Period Perry Brothers advertising strongly emphasizes opossum and kangaroo shooting, and highlights .25-20 and .32-20 calibres, which aligns closely with Australia’s early 20th-century rural economy.

At the time, opossum pelts were a significant export commodity, feeding the international fur trade supplying Europe and North America. The .32-20 WCF was particularly well suited for this role:

• Adequate lethality on small game
• Reduced recoil and report
• Minimal pelt damage compared to larger calibres

The 15-inch Trapper configuration further enhanced the rifle’s utility:

• Ideal for night hunting
• Easy horseback carry
• Highly maneuverable in dense scrub
• Practical across cattle and sheep stations, railway corridors, and remote settlements throughout Queensland and beyond

 Condition & Auction History

This specific rifle has appeared publicly at Australian Arms Auctions in 2015 and again in 2021, described as follows:

“Good bore with small area of pitting at the muzzle; carbine sights; plum patina to metal; light wear to walnut stock & replaced forewood; replaced magazine tube; good working order and condition.”
— Serial #351439

I’ve included the auction link below for reference and transparency.

https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/winchester-mod-1892-l-a-full-mag-s-r-trapper-carbi-458-c-82048e391b?srsltid=AfmBOoon5sdYTNz0EgdtNJcny8UXTB0dl-PFd8pPV1UqFpeFi7I8_zCJ

Also Attached: Period-correct early 1900s Winchester .32-20 WCF ammunition

Also attached: A GunsInternational listing for a different but comparable Model 1892 “The Stinger” Trapper, 15″ barrel, .32-20—useful for comparative study of markings and configuration

https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/rifles/winchester-rifles-antique-lever/rare-trapper-winchester-carbine.cfm?gun_id=102227943

Additional information courtesy of Rock Island Auction see attached link: 

https://www.rockislandauction.com/riac-blog/the-stinger-winchester-1892-down-under