I recently discovered that two of my model 1892 which I bought as ‘original’ are lacking proof marks and I’d like to determine if Winchester sent out any of the early 1892 without proof marks.
Both of the rifles in question have serial numbers indicating manufacture of 1905. One has a proof mark on the receiver but none on the barrel. The other has no visible proof mark on barrel or receiver.
Both match the Cody Museum research. That is to say, the caliber, barrel and magazine are as stated in the records. They appear unaltered in any way. I can’t see any evidence that the proof marks have been ‘brushed’ away. The finish on metal and wood all appear original, with uniform wear.
Do I have modified rifles, or is there a chance that Winchester shipped them in this time frame lacking some proof marks?
Any help is appreciated.
NP
Nevada Paul
Life Member NRA
I have several ’92’s up to 1906 with no proof marks, twobit will be better able to tell You when they started using proofs on them and may be explain why proofed rec’vr and not he bbl.
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
Nevada Paul said
I recently discovered that two of my model 1892 which I bought as ‘original’ are lacking proof marks and I’d like to determine if Winchester sent out any of the early 1892 without proof marks.Both of the rifles in question have serial numbers indicating manufacture of 1905. One has a proof mark on the receiver but none on the barrel. The other has no visible proof mark on barrel or receiver.
Both match the Cody Museum research. That is to say, the caliber, barrel and magazine are as stated in the records. They appear unaltered in any way. I can’t see any evidence that the proof marks have been ‘brushed’ away. The finish on metal and wood all appear original, with uniform wear.
Do I have modified rifles, or is there a chance that Winchester shipped them in this time frame lacking some proof marks?
Any help is appreciated.
NP
Hello,
I will be happy to help you. Can you send me a series of photos to [email protected] The 1892’s are consistently proofed after SN 300,000 during 1905. There are certainly earlier guns that were assembled with receivers serialized earlier but not used to make up a fully assembled gun until later after the process of proof stamps started.
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
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