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All things being equal (i.e., Deluxe configuration, 26 inch octagon barrel, crescent butt, 32 caliber, same DOM, same overall condition, etc.), which Model would be a better investment, collectable and overall better return on investment?
Discount personal preference of one Model over the other?
If as you say, discount the personal preference, the model 1892 would be a better choice. Remembering that condition is “almost” everything, a model 1892 deluxe would probably be the better investment. Far more deluxe 1894 models than the 1892 model. Just my opinion.
November 7, 2015
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All things are never equal but if we’re talking antiques I’d go with the 1894. 1899 and later it’s hard to say, I’d go with the prettiest wood. In today’s market it seems only the highest condition guns are doing well so I’d probably pass on anything less than an 80% gun as an investment. Just my opinion, of course. Buy what you like, like what you buy.
Mike
You did not clarify which specific 32 caliber cartridge for the Model 1894, and that alone will make a big difference in the value. The 32-40 bring a lot more $$$ than a 32 WS if all else is identical.
As for a 32 caliber Model 1892, the 32 WCF sells for less than any other caliber. When compared to a 32 caliber Model 1894, the 32 caliber Model 1892 will always sell for less money if all else is equal.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Most of the time, I would go with the Deluxe 1892. I agree if we are talking pre-1899, the M1894 gets closer.
All, information greatly appreciated. As a point of clarification, irregardless of caliber but both models obviously being the same caliber, configuration and condition which model, both antique and not, would command the best return?
Thank-you.
I think the, “same caliber” convolutes the question. For example, in the M1892, the .25-20 is generally on the very bottom of the list as far as desirability of caliber. In the M1894, the .25-35 is higher on the list. In the M1892, the .44-40 is clearly top on the desirability list. In the M1894, the .25-35, .32-40 and .38-55 are grouped much closer together.
You can’t compare them with the same caliber since they don’t share the same caliber. You can only compare them by either most desirable or least desirable calibers.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
Ok. Rephrasing, which model Deluxe, both antique and not, in general, would be the best overall choice. Again, discount personal preference, no specific caliber, etc., just overall choice? Thanks.
tionesta1 said
1892 deluxe. Just not as many of them out there.Al
I agree with Al.
tionesta1 said
1892 deluxe. Just not as many of them out there.Al
I would not be willing to bet on that.
If we are sticking strictly to “Antique” (pre-1899), I suspect that there were fewer Model 1894 Fancy Sporting Rifles made than Model 1892 Fancy Sporting Rifles.
More specifically, there were just 53,941 “antique” Model 1894s manufactured, whereas there were 103,328 “antique” Model 1892s manufactured. Based on the nearly 2:1 production ratio difference, the odds are greatly in favor of there being a larger number of “antique” Model 1892 Fancy Sporting Rifles than “antique” Model 1894 Fancy Sporting Rifles.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
An 1892 Deluxe is far more rare, especially an antique.
An 1894 is much more common, especially post ‘98
Bill
A lot of collectors feel that an antique 1894 with a octagon barrel, crescent butt, full magazine in 38-55 is the most desirable 1894. A full deluxe would be even better.
Finding an 1892 in 44 WCF or 38 WCF full deluxe is one of the rarest guns out there. Regardless of how many of these were made you just don’t find these for sale. Anyone that has one already has a list of people that want to buy it. The 32 WCF or 25 WCF are easier to find.
A very rich collector had a 44 WCF full deluxe gun and didn’t like the condition so he sold it. Looked the rest of his life and never was able to buy another one. He had many dealers looking for one.
When I say full deluxe I mean XXX wood, pistol grip, set trigger, checkered, octagon barrel, crescent butt and full magazine. There are special order guns that have some of these features that are easier to find.
If I were you I’d buy the best 1894 you can find and maybe someday you might find a 1892. Antique always brings a premium and the larger calibers do the same.
Here’s a nice one. Too bad it’s a .25-20 🙁
It’s not an antique either. Still, it has some redeeming features.
https://www.merzantiques.com/product/w1015-interesting-deluxe-winchester-1892-short-rifle/
Interesting comments comparing the deluxe configurations of the model 92 and model 94. Having had several of each over the last 40+ years, it has been my experience the 92 is much harder to find even though the production numbers as provided by Bert, at least in the antique range, indicate more 92’s were produced. I certainly did not run into them. If you look at the attached photo we can compare the two models.
The bottom gun is a model 94, in exceptional condition and of the configuration most collectors seem to prefer, i.e. full octagon, full magazine, rifle butt, pistol grip and in one of the most sought after calibers, 32/40. The gun was shipped in 1904 and letters.
The top gun is a model 92 and has the lesser desired shotgun butt, half magazine, half octagon and is a takedown. The gun was shipped in 1907 and also letters. It is also in exceptional condition with blue wear at the carry point where the receiver meets the forearm. It is a 25/20 which based on the comments and my own experience is less desirable, possibly far less desirable to those on this forum.
The 94 is the best gun – better configuration, better caliber and just a touch better condition – if I had to pick between the two, I would take it. However, the 92 would sell for the most money right now and in my humble opinion will appreciate in value greater over the next 10 years, even being a 25/20. About 25 years ago a friend of mine was looking for a deluxe 92 and we took a trip to the annual Colorado Gun Collectors Association show in Denver to see what was available. Even back then the pickings were small. A guy named Larry Orr, still in business as Larry’s Gun Room in Beresford, South Dakota had a pristine one for sale. However, after perusing it for 2 days my friend passed because it was a 25/20 and he wanted a 44/40 and might possibly settle for a 38/40. That guy is still looking for a 92 deluxe the 92 he passed on is worth 5 times what Larry sold it for back then.
I also have both ’92,s and ’94,s. Here’s My point, for what it’s worth, I’ve seen ’94,s sold for well over $100,000.00. I’ve never seen a ’92 sell in that range. The arms shows I’ve attended over the years My observation has been the ’94.s always over sell the ’92,s. I’m talking about high end, high cond., antique Winchesters. Or just throw choice to the wind and buy ’em both like a real collector.
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
Online
Chuck said
A lot of collectors feel that an antique 1894 with a octagon barrel, crescent butt, full magazine in 38-55 is the most desirable 1894. A full deluxe would be even better.Finding an 1892 in 44 WCF or 38 WCF full deluxe is one of the rarest guns out there. Regardless of how many of these were made you just don’t find these for sale. Anyone that has one already has a list of people that want to buy it. The 32 WCF or 25 WCF are easier to find.
A very rich collector had a 44 WCF full deluxe gun and didn’t like the condition so he sold it. Looked the rest of his life and never was able to buy another one. He had many dealers looking for one.
When I say full deluxe I mean XXX wood, pistol grip, set trigger, checkered, octagon barrel, crescent butt and full magazine. There are special order guns that have some of these features that are easier to find.
If I were you I’d buy the best 1894 you can find and maybe someday you might find a 1892. Antique always brings a premium and the larger calibers do the same.
Here’s a real nice 1892 deluxe 44WCF that just came up for sale, but priced accordingly.
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