Thanks Bert. That’s a neat carbine.

Burt Humphrey said
My favorite Model 1894 caliber. I would not have previously known non-ring SRC’s were scarce in that range. When you look at all the special order features, you have to wonder what the original owner was thinking when he ordered it. For sure, he had a purpose in mind and evident by the condition it was used. I have always been fond of carbines with special features – this little 92 carbine has a rifle butt and a pistol grip stock – both features letter. I no longer own it but another WACA member does. The little gem was part of the down-sizing plan.

  

No I don’t!!!! 

Michael

twobit said
But…

I do have this one!  Of the 6 letterable 23 inch Model 1894’s this is the only engraved one!  I do need to take better photos of it.

And out of the 16,200 Model 1892’s I have looked at this is the only castoff one I have seen!

So I am not too mad Burt!  Nice looking rifle by the way.

Michael  

wow – that is is sweet one. I have never owned an engraved Winchester. This is probably one of those “take it to your grave” guns, or, hopefully you have an heir with the passion for the old Winchesters. After dabbling with the old levers for 50 years I know you have to be at the right place at the right time to get guns like this. And, be smart enough to jump on it when the opportunity presents itself – the Winchester lever collector community is full of procrastinators.  

tionesta1 said
Michael,

Those are two very nice guns.  I like the engraved 94, and with the other special order features it’s one of a kind. The 1892 with the cast off is very unusual. I remember there was a discussion here on the forum about it either before, or after you bought it.

Al  

Thanks Al.  Yes there is no doubt that the 1894 is a one of a kind gun.  As I mentioned there are only 6 23 inch barreled 1894’s in the letterable range.  The possibility of this gun duplicated after that is quite slim.  I do think we talked about the 1892 and its cousin the cast off 1887 deluxe shotgun.   They were originally owned as new by the same person in California.  

Michael

steve004 said

Burt – that is a strikingly beautiful ’92 Carbine.  If ever there is an example of the pain associated with down-sizing, surely this is it.  Whatever that WACA member paid for this carbine, I don’t think he needs to worry it was too much!    

Steve – that little carbine was really nice – had been in my safe for 40 years. I owned it for 15 years before I ever got a letter on it. Five years ago I had 65 nice Winchester levers tucked away and some like the little 92 carbine just got lost in the pile. Since it was not checkered it never really caught my eye. I remember when I bought it I did so just because I wanted to have a nice condition 92 carbine in my collection – any caliber was ok – that one was a .38 W.C.F. I did not really know what I had until after I sold it and so I sold it too cheap. But, I am sure the new owner is enjoying it and I did my part as temporary caretaker. I enjoyed owning it but I did not have that much emotional attachment to it. I get older everyday and it makes no sense to keep them all. Five years ago I made a plan to downsize and keep one nice representative example from each model manufactured in the 19th century. I am currently 3 guns away from being there!

Now, the little deluxe Model 55, serial #5 was difficult to part with and I am sure I will wonder if I did the right thing for quite some time. I sold the 55 yesterday to another WACA member who has purchased a few others from me. I know it is going to a good home where it will be taken care of just like it was at my house. I had owned the Model 55 for a long time and vividly remember the day I acquired it. The gun was in the personal collection of Tommy Rholes. One day I was visiting Tommy and we were in his gun vault in Van, Texas. I had a nice Henry Rifle that Tommy really wanted and we did some trading – the 55 was one of the guns in the trade. If you want to own a really nice case hardened or brass frame gun there always has been and always will be one available – all it takes is money. If you want to own a Model 55 deluxe, with condition and with a single digit serial number, you have to be at the right place at the right time. I may never get used to parting with the 55 but in life we all have to adjust as necessary and move on. As I have said before, I sleep well knowing I have done my part as temporary caretaker.

This carbine hammered at $1300 yesterday.  Add in the 15% buyer’s premium, it cost $1495.

From the photographs, I think the tang sight might be a modern replacement???

I preferred a bit more condition and so I didn’t bid on it.  I was tempted, however.

mrcvs said

I preferred a bit more condition and so I didn’t bid on it.  I was tempted, however.  

The catch is it may be never before an identical configuration in better condition ever shows up!

Michael