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I bought a nice condition 92 in 38 cal. at a gun show today. Ser is 3428 but it’s not centered on the bottom. It looks like it would be centered if one more digit was at the left. I have looked at it with a jewelers loop and there is no sign of a faded left digit. Was it common or not for the serial to be somewhat off-centered with four digits? I’ll try to post a picture. Thanks
I have 1 four digit Model 92 and the numbers are centered.
Other things to look for:
1) Serial number digits are 5/32″ tall up to SN 150,000. After that they are 9/32″ tall until SN 750,000, then back to 5/32″ after that.
3) Upper Tang should have Pat. Oct. 14. 1884 up to SN 280,000. TRADE MARK was stamped from 280,000 to 500,000. After that, there would be TRADE MARK REG. IN US. PAT OFF.
3) Hammer knurling up to SN 200,000 should have a point at the top border. After that the knurling has a curved line at the top border.
4) Barrel proof marks were added to the 1892 around 1905 so a 4 digit rifle/carbine with the stylized W/P proof mark wouldn’t be a 4 digit piece.
Hope this helps you figure out if there is a first digit missing on you serial number.
"This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
Hello,
Is the barrel octagon shaped? That would match the configuration for SN 3428. If any digit was in front of the 3 none of those rifles are 38 WCF caliber. Please post more photos of all the stamped writing on the gun. I have 180 “4 digit” serial number rifles in my survey and all appear to be directly centered on the bottom of the receiver.
http://forums.gunbroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=606355
Wincacher wrote:
3) Upper Tang should have Pat. Oct. 14. 1884 up to SN 280,000.
The type 1 tang stamp style changes earlier to the #2 style.
3) Hammer knurling up to SN 200,000 should have a point at the top border. After that the knurling has a curved line at the top border
The “widows peak” knurl design actually went out of use much more closely to the SN 70,000 range. Though it can be found sporadically afterwards.
http://forums.gunbroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=606355
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
Looks like your missing number has to be a 1.
"This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
This missing “1” would still make it a first year production gun? I hope I didn’t over pay for the gun as it’s not for sale but will be years down the line. I strive to invest wisely without paying to much learning my Winchester knowledge. I just like to keep a ballpark worth in mind.
I picked up a few 73’s lately that I will add to the survey when time allows.
According to Polishing Room records 1st year production ended with # 7121. I got a Cody Letter form my SN 8xxx, thinking it was a 1st year model, and got a DOM of January 19, 1893.
"This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
Hello,
The SN 3428 configuration as described in the production ledgers matches that of your rifle. The configuration for 13428, 23428, 33428… etc do not match your gun. Please post or send me several photos looking straight down on the center line of the receiver.
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
nascar fan said
Here is a pic as square as I can get.
The number is most definitely shifted to the right and not symmetric on the receiver. If the barrel is original to the gun then the barrel address stamp should be identical to the one in the photo. If it is a later style then the possibility exists that the caliber is not original and thus it may in fact be a five digit number.
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
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