An original  straight grip checked (any style of checking) deluxe 1892 takedown rifle is extremely rare, even in the non-takedown version.  The 4-5 straight grip checked takedowns I have seen have all been in the small calibers (out of nearly 600 takedown rifles surveyed).  I know of only one in the large calibers but dont have the serial number for it.  I would definitely do a research sheet on it to confirm if it is original or not, lots of embellished guns in the world these days.     If it is outside letterable range, I would sure take my time in looking it over.  Look for assembly numbers on the lower tang–the same assembly numbers will most likely appear stamped on the wood under the buttplate and even on the underside of the buttplate near the toe.  If you end up taking a look at it again, can you forward the SN, bbl length, bbl shape, mag length, the forearm checking style (H-checked or I-checked with diamond) and if the wood is plain or deluxe wood. 

Some good pics would go a long way if the owner is accommodating.

Thanks

Chris 

Mike,

Too bad it didn’t letter with the checkering and a straight stock. As Chris mentioned, those seem to be fairly scarce.

BTW – sent you a couple PM’s a while back…..you might check your inbox. I don’t think the PM notifications are very reliable on this new format.