Thats a good question Jim.
The short answer is its the initials of Dominion of Canada Proof or DCP for short.
In 1915 Britain was desperately short of rifles for its army, one way or obtaining more rifles was to take them off the Royal Navy. This meant that these navy rifles would have to be replaced with something. Arisaka rifles and carbines were sourced from Japan and Ross files from Canada.
In addition to these 20,000 Model 1892 SRC’s in 44WCF and 5,000 Model 1894 SRC’s in 30WCF were purchased through Winchester. These or at least most of them were inspected and proofed by Canadian inspectors on behalf of the British government at the Winchester factory. These carbines were then stamped with the proof mark of DCP through crossed pennants.
In addition to the Winchester carbines, 4,000 Remington Model 14 1/2 rifles were purchased through Remington and these were also inspected by Canadian inspectors and received the DCP mark. Also 4,500 Remington rolling block rifles in 7mm were also purchased.
The above carbines and rifles were mostly issued to trawlers and miscellaneous craft for protection against mines and German E and U boats. These is at least one noted instance of a Winchester ‘repeater’ being used against a German U boat to good effect, (damn good show!)
Hope the above is of interest.
Regards
AlanD
Sydney
Hello Nathan,
I have your rifle entered into my survey of the Model 1892 rifles. That rifle was for sale at Cabela’s according to my notes. Could I please get a detail photo of the barrel address and the upper tang please?
http://forums.gunbroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=606355
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
Nathan said
Who has this list and where is it available at?
I would like to add my Winchester 1892 (mfg. 1915) to the list if it’s not already on there.
Serial # 775921
Regards,
Nathan
Hi Nathan
I have been compiling a data base of DCP marked Model 1892 and 1894 SRC’s serial numbers for many years. The list is on my computer but I do make the information available to anyone writing a book or article on these carbines or the topic of the Dominion of Canada Proof carbines purchased by the British Admiralty in the Great War.
Thank you for your serial number which I have added to the data base.
Regardfs
Alan David
Sydney
Thank you Ronnie. This is one of the earlier ones being in the first 10 percent of serial numbers I have so far.
The 4 digit number may be a rack number but very few of the Model 1892’s purchased by the British Admiralty in 1915 bear any rack numbers.
Regards
Alan David
Sydney
Australia
Ronnie Gaskins
Ronnie Gaskins said
I also have an 1892 SRC 44 WCF with the Canadian proof marks. Serial # 740402, 1913?? It also has a four Digit # on side of buttstock and a matching one in receiver above the SR. Looks to be professionally done… Ronnie
Good morning Ronnie,
Could I please get a series of photos of your rifle and the stamped writing on it so that I can add it into a survey I am conducting?
Thanks
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
Sean McIntosh said
Hey there, I also have just acquired a Winchester ’92 SRC in.44 with the DCP marking. Serial number 775030. Still has a fair showing of blue, wood has been sanded and refinished. Has a longer forestock than other 92 saddle rings I have. Cheerz, Sean.
Hello Sean,
Thanks for the information on your rifle. I have added it into my research survey. Your rifle is in a large group from SN 773500 to 776000 that are all identical with only 2 sporting rifles having been produced. Could I please get a series of photos of the rifle and the markings on it? @[email protected]
Thanks
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
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