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I set-up at a gunshow today and picked up two old Winchesters. I ruff looking 92 SRC in 44 (1911) and a slick old 94 in 38-55. I’ll get photo’s up later. My question was about the 92. It is stamped on the frame & stock with “W.C.CO.” and across the rear of the stock the word “WESTERN”. Quick search found Western Costume Co. Prop gun? There are also tacks in the shape of a cross on the butt stock. What else could the stand for?
Only thing that stands out on the 38-55 is the front sight which seems to be an ivory blade, homemade is guess.
Good morning,
I have more than 9500 Model 1892 rifles entered in my research survey and that is the only one marked as such. There are many others with various stamps on the wood and metal. Could I please get more photos and the serial number so I can add this rifle also?
Thanks
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
The “W.C.CO.” marking is the “Western Cartridge Company”. They purchased firearms from Winchester to use for cartridge testing. Most of them that I have seen were Model 1885 Single Shot rifles.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
I have seen a few Model 1892 rifle purchased and marked by the US Cartridge Co. They numbered each rifle individually as in these examples, #271 and #394. The date corresponds to the lettered date that they were shipped out of the warehouse. Both of these are sporting rifles in 44 WCF caliber with OB, the second is a TD frame gun.
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
More than likely, the W.C.Co. marking is Western Costume Company. I’ve seen several guns of various types, with these markings, all purchased from W.C.Co. when they sold off their huge firearms collection. Many years ago I had a 7 1/2″ Colts SA etched panel .44 WCF with these markings.
Yep – I also believe that they are Western Costume guns………………
Rick
WACA Life Benefactor Member
NRA Life Member
Here are some more pictures. The tacks in the stock would make you think costume co. over cartridge co. if not done later in it’s life.
One other thing. The ivory front sight on the 94. I read in my sight book that the model 79 Rocky Mountain sight could be ordered in ivory. Could this be one? Thanks guys
Thanks nascar,
It is interesting that he decoration is on the right side of the rifle and the stamps on the left. In a “shooting scene” the decoration is visible while the stamps would not be. Sounding more like a costume gun to me.
Are the caliber stamp and barrel address on the left side of the barrel?
Thanks
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
Thanks Michael. Here’s the barrel markings. All on the side. I ordered letters on these and a couple more 92 and one 73. Maybe that will shead some light.
Got this response for Western Costume.
Hi Charles,
Western Costume did used to rent props, including guns and swords. We started phasing out the prop rentals in the late 80s, and all of the guns were auctioned off sometime in either 1992 or 93. Unfortunately we have no records of exactly which guns we had, or what films they were used for. Western Costume Company gets its namesake from the Western film genre that we were known for providing costumes and props to, so it’s likely (considering also that Model 92 was so popular for that early frontier look) that the gun was used in some of the old Western movies. But I can’t speculate as to what kind of personal history that particular rifle might have.
I’m sorry I can’t be more helpful, but I’m happy to know there are still some of our old guns floating around out there in the world. The Winchester ’92 is a fun gun to have in a collection – it’s so iconic.
Warmest regards,
Amber Morris
Western Costume Research
11041 Vanowen St.,
Los Angeles, CA 91605
Tel: (818) 508-2148
Neat Response!
It would be cool to find that particular rifle in a movie, identifiable by the buttstock tack design. I am sure that would increase it’s intrinsic value somewhat, especially if it was carried by the Duke or other famous actor of the era.
Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
January 26, 2011
Offline
That’s a great gun, I would be proud to own it. I like guns with markings, they just add a little flavor to the gun.
~Gary~
JWA said
Neat Response!It would be cool to find that particular rifle in a movie, identifiable by the buttstock tack design. I am sure that would increase it’s intrinsic value somewhat, especially if it was carried by the Duke or other famous actor of the era.
Regards,
That is going to take a lot of popcorn and late nights!!!!
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
twobit said
That is going to take a lot of popcorn and late nights!!!!
Michael
Yes, but it would be a labor of love.
If it were mine I would begin by getting a list of all the movies W.C. Co. supplied props for and start with the westerns. With the butt stock tacks I would probably focus on the Indians first.
There are worse ways to spend rainy days.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
Charles,
Amber seems like a good connection. You might reach out to her again and ask if there is an old/retired employe who might be of further help. Here is a link which has what guns were used in movies and TV shows. Obviously there is A LOT if information here but there may be a way to search it all and narrow down the hunt. http://www.imfdb.org
And the results of searching on “Winchester 1892”
http://www.imfdb.org/index.php?search=winchester+1892&fulltext=Search&title=Special%3ASearch
This may be of some help:
http://dailycaller.com/2013/03/20/guns-camera-action-how-hollywood-gets-their-guns/
Good luck
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
Send her a picture of the tack embellishment to circulate… this is the kind of stuff that makes collecting fun.
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
WACA #10293
rwsem said
Send her a picture of the tack embellishment to circulate… this is the kind of stuff that makes collecting fun.
I had did just that. I have also searches some of the movie/gun database. The gun is a working gun as I fired it yesterday and functioned fine.
Thanks guys. I still would like to know what you guys think about the front sight on the 94.
Hello,
I received this article via email this morning and thought it might fit in nicely with some of the discussion of this thread: http://www.truewestmagazine.com/from-silver-screen-to-gun-room/
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
November 7, 2015
Offline
Great link, Michael. Thanks for passing it on.
Mike
Great read, thanks. I’m going to send him a e-mail with some photo’s and ser. # just for fun. I have a letter ordered that might help. Maybe I should offer a reward for spotting it in a film if it is a film gun. I’m sure the value would increase if found in the hands of an actor. I love old worn, well used guns with history and with my limited budget, that’s likely all I’ll ever have in my collection. Fun stuff.
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