I acquired this gun today from a local shop. It seems to have untouched for a good number of years. The finish on the wood looks like at some point in time many years ago some furniture type of shellac was added to the wood. It shows a lot of age and no evidence of sanding or refinishing. It is a shame the sling swivels were added. One can only guess at the buttplate and front sight being original to the gun but both look extremely well matched in condition and fit. The No 4 Lyman front sight seems to have been available in 1910. The buttplate looks original to me because it has no indication of any other marks from a different plate and the fit is perfect. All the screw slots are perfect and it has a pleasing blue to brown patina on the receiver. What is your opinion the buttplate and sight? How rare is a Swiss Butt as compared to other factory options? Would you leave the finish on the wood as is or strip it? I am thinking leaving it alone is the best way to go as it looks matched to the patina on the metal
THIS ALL STARTED WITH JUST ONE GUN!
Hello guys,
In my survey of the Model 1892/92 rifles I have cataloged just over 11,800 individual rifles and found 9 with Swiss butt plates on them. I do think that this butt stock is original, has a small chip missing on the left side at the wrist, and apparently at some time the rifle was placed to close to the fireplace which caused the finish to bubble up.
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
November 7, 2015

Certainly looks like an honest gun. Sling swivels on a gun with a Swiss butt make no sense to me…but there they are. I’m beginning to think a coat of varnish was regular maintenance for some folks but I think taking it off and applying a bit of linseed or tung oil would have it looking like it should. I like it.
Mike
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