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I happened across a 92 carbine at the local gun show this last weekend. It was chambered in 32-20, sported a Lyman #21 sight, and had a serial number of 16.
The tag was $3,200. I could not take pictures of it, but it was pretty well worn with silvery metal finish, no provision that I could see for the sling ring staple, and what appeared to be non-original varnish on the furniture. Using the forum tool, it dates to 1892. I thought it interesting.
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John,
The serial number on the gun you saw has been falsified. Model 1892 s/n 16 was a standard 44 WCF Sporting Rifle w/24″ octagon barrel.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
John,The serial number on the gun you saw has been falsified. Model 1892 s/n 16 was a standard 44 WCF Sporting Rifle w/24″ octagon barrel.
Bert
Thanks, Bert!
Well, I’m not really surprised by this. When money is involved, people “do things”. I wasn’t considering buying it, and so did not ask to handle. I do not know the vendor, and do not know if he had it palmed off on him or if he is the source of the fake. When this kind of money is at stake, it’s nice to know I have a place to come to (this forum, and you) to suss things out a bit.
Also, because I’m curious…… the serial number stamping looked legit. I’m wondering how someone can duplicate a serial number or serialed receiver to make such a forgery. Could this receiver be the real #16 that was rebuilt into something else? And if so, wouldn’t that entail changing out the bolt/innards and magazine tube?
Anyway – glad I posted about it. I’m sure it will be at the next show a month hence, so if you are curious as to more detail I can try and get pics and more information.
I would think the easiest way to fabricate a fake 2 digit serial number would be to keep the two middle digits, which are a 1 and a 6, and obliterate surrounding digits on either side.
mrcvs said
I would think the easiest way to fabricate a fak 2 digit serial number would be to keep the two middle digits, which are a 1 and a 6, and obliterate surrounding digits on either side.
Hadn’t thought of that. I’ll give it a good once-over at the next show.
That gun sounds like a 53 my friend told me about. Same serial number and description.
wolfbait said
That gun sounds like a 53 my friend told me about. Same serial number and description.
Interesting. FWIW, this gun was seen at the Boise gun show.
John D. said
wolfbait said
That gun sounds like a 53 my friend told me about. Same serial number and description.
Interesting. FWIW, this gun was seen at the Boise gun show.
That’s it, a 53.
wolfbait said
John D. said
wolfbait said
That gun sounds like a 53 my friend told me about. Same serial number and description.
Interesting. FWIW, this gun was seen at the Boise gun show.
That’s it, a 53.
Wow! So, is it legit? I never gave the tang a hard look so I just assumed it was a 92.
Model 53 s/n 16 is documented in the survey as a Solid frame rifle caliber 32 WCF. The upper tang should have the Type 6 marking on it.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert –
#16 Model 53 in your survey – do you know if it had a Lyman No. 21 sight on it?
Looks like I misidentified a Model 53 as a Model 92. So much to learn. FWIW, the one I saw appeared to be a carbine, but maybe it was a short rifle? In any case I do recall the button magazine, which is common on a Model 53.
steve004 said
Bert –#16 Model 53 in your survey – do you know if it had a Lyman No. 21 sight on it?
The is no mention of it in the survey notes.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
I just wonder if the one spotted at the gunshow is the one in the survey?
John D. said
wolfbait said
John D. said
wolfbait said
That gun sounds like a 53 my friend told me about. Same serial number and description.
Interesting. FWIW, this gun was seen at the Boise gun show.
That’s it, a 53.
Wow! So, is it legit? I never gave the tang a hard look so I just assumed it was a 92.
John,
An original 2 digit Model 1892 rifle would have an upper tang stamp as shown below. The Model 53 would ONLY have the Model designation on the left side of the barrel (see below) and no Model designation on the tang. Also shown below.
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
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