Anthony said
Charles,
That's a very nice display, and an interesting Idea. I'm in agreement with the other members, as far as what they are saying. Finding the extremely tough first year, and in many cases expensive examples, will certainly be a big challenge, but the lowest decent example found, can certainly fill the spot on the wall as you search. The beauty is you can always trade or move up upon finding an early one, as you're thinking. 
I'm curious to you're thinking on starting with the M-73 and ending at the M-55? 
I remember some 50 years ago my very first Winchester was a M-1894, first year rifle. Definitely not the hardest one to find. Some of the models in you're quest aren't serial numbered. (I'm sure an early will fit the bill). I will take a look in the near future as I might have something you might need.
Thanks for sharing.
Tony
  

I realize a 1866 would be way more than I’m willing to spend and the 55 is 1924 so I was keeping it at 100 years old - once I get these I might expand beyond model 55 - and with 85 guns hanging on my living room walls I had to draw the line somewhere 🙄- and yes I’m not looking for the best out there just a decent example for a reasonable price 

The .32's seem to be particularly hard to find with a decent bore so as a shooter id be ok with sourcing and replacing a few minor parts to get a .32 1892 with a good bore.

TLDR, In today's market I think it was a reasonable buy as a shooter.

steve004 said
Ed -
This has been an interesting thread.  I would label your '92 a, "character gun."  When it comes to character guns, there is a lot of subjectivity and personal taste involved when it comes to evaluating them.  You did come to a Winchester, "collector" site for opinions on value.  As a generality, "collectors" are primarily interested in original pieces in as high condition as possible.  Many here are focused only on "collector" pieces.  However, as this thread has shown there are many us who also appreciate, "character."  This circles back to my original point, it's very selective.  It comes down to how attracted you are to the individual piece.  We often talk about how a well-used Winchester can, "speak to us."  But you also have to, "hear" what the individual rifle is saying - and it needs to be appealing to you.  One man's character piece can be another man's train wreck.  If I had seen your rifle laying on a gun show for $500, I would have kept walking.  That doesn't mean I would value it at $500 as I am confident many others would pay a couple hundred more for it.  I also suspect you are not the only person out there who would pay $900 for it.
Let me add that your rifle was not functional when you purchased it.  It needs parts to make if functional.  Personally, I lean strongly against purchasing something that needs parts or repair.  I don't think I'm the only one with that inclination but there are others that don't mind, or even appreciate the project aspect.  Any rifle that is missing parts or not functional will see a diminishment in value.
I am happy you are enjoying your rifle and enjoy the project aspect of it. That's probably the most important factor to consider here.
  

Thank you sir I understand what you are saying about high condition and I have a few guns with too much “character” I don’t mind a project but I do mind complete junk. I hope this gun will be a good shooter as I really do like the way it looks with the silver metal appearance and I appreciate what everyone has said here and I didn’t realize when I bought it that it was missing anything and thankfully I think it is only missing the cartridge guide which doesn’t seem as bad a death sentence as if it was the ejector. I still have a lot to learn about these guns with that being said I will be asking more questions before I buy. Thanks everyone for the help and advice. 

This has been an interesting thread.  I would label your '92 a, "character gun."  When it comes to character guns, there is a lot of subjectivity and personal taste involved when it comes to evaluating them.  You did come to a Winchester, "collector" site for opinions on value.  As a generality, "collectors" are primarily interested in original pieces in as high condition as possible.  Many here are focused only on "collector" pieces.  However, as this thread has shown there are many us who also appreciate, "character."  This circles back to my original point, it's very selective.  It comes down to how attracted you are to the individual piece.  We often talk about how a well-used Winchester can, "speak to us."  But you also have to, "hear" what the individual rifle is saying - and it needs to be appealing to you.  One man's character piece can be another man's train wreck.  If I had seen your rifle laying on a gun show for $500, I would have kept walking.  That doesn't mean I would value it at $500 as I am confident many others would pay a couple hundred more for it.  I also suspect you are not the only person out there who would pay $900 for it.

Let me add that your rifle was not functional when you purchased it.  It needs parts to make if functional.  Personally, I lean strongly against purchasing something that needs parts or repair.  I don't think I'm the only one with that inclination but there are others that don't mind, or even appreciate the project aspect.  Any rifle that is missing parts or not functional will see a diminishment in value.

I am happy you are enjoying your rifle and enjoy the project aspect of it. That's probably the most important factor to consider here.

For any other models that you need serial number information for, just ask.

Bert

That's a very nice display, and an interesting Idea. I'm in agreement with the other members, as far as what they are saying. Finding the extremely tough first year, and in many cases expensive examples, will certainly be a big challenge, but the lowest decent example found, can certainly fill the spot on the wall as you search. The beauty is you can always trade or move up upon finding an early one, as you're thinking. 

I'm curious to you're thinking on starting with the M-73 and ending at the M-55? 

I remember some 50 years ago my very first Winchester was a M-1894, first year rifle. Definitely not the hardest one to find. Some of the models in you're quest aren't serial numbered. (I'm sure an early will fit the bill). I will take a look in the near future as I might have something you might need.

Thanks for sharing.

Tony

Michael

mrcvs said
To be honest with you, I would rather have the rougher example.  At least it has some original finish.  The refinish does not plus it also appears there are extra screws in the frame where there was once a receiver sight.
  

Why not have them both! Each tells a different story and are equally beautiful to me! Plus, Cowboy got a great deal on it. Double win. Congrats Cowboy!

Thanks,

Al

For a Single Shot (Model 1885), the serial number needs to be < 506 to be a true 1st year rifle.

Bert

mrcvs said
To be honest with you, I would rather have the rougher example.  At least it has some original finish.  The refinish does not plus it also appears there are extra screws in the frame where there was once a receiver sight.
  

Oh it wasn’t original lol I had gave it some bluing because when I first got it it was badddd. I’ll probably put a Lyman sight on it tbh so the screws is a plus for me, the mechanics on the other was eh sticky also