I have two Model 1892 Winchesters: a saddle-ring carbine, ca...

I have two Model 1892 Winchesters: a saddle-ring carbine, cal. 44WCF,w/ 20" barrel, ser.153xxx. I believe it's all original. All exterior metal is patina. The stock and forearm do not appear to have ever been refinished and are dull with some minor dings. There is a 1/8th inch hole drilled crosswise through the middle of the stock, 4" forward of the butt plate. Also have a take-down sporting rifle 24"round
barrel, straight grip walnut stock and capped forearm. Ser. 43xxx. Finish is combination bluing and patina. A 1.5" x 2.75" piece of the stock is missing on the right side where it joins the receiver, however the stock is well secured to the receiver with thr original screws and shootability is not affected. The rear sight is cracked and missing the elevation slide. The action on both guns is solid. These guns have been in my gun cabinet for over 30 years. I am now in the process of liquidating all my guns. Can you give me an idea of what these two Model 1892's are worth?

In the described condition probably worth about $400 each. Condition dictates the value number. Those rifles sound a bit rough. You might send me a photo if you want.

2 bit

2bit, thanks for your reply. Here are a couple photos of the carbine. If these pictures reach you ok, I'll take a couple pics of the rifle and forward them to you. Thanks

Superseal,

I would love to know why the hole was drilled in the stock. Iam looking at the photos on my iPhone so they are a bit on the small side. I am in Mexico right now but will be back home tomorrow. Send the rifle pics and I will get back to you soon.

Thanks
2biy

2bit, I tried to send multiple photos of the carbine but it looks to me like only one made it. is there a way to send more than one photo? Here's another photo.

Don't know why the hole was drilled into the stock, it was like that when I acquired it over 30 years ago. Here is a photo of the take-down rifle. I'll send a couple more pictures to follow. thanks again for taking the time to look over these guns.

take-down rifle

close up of rifle stock

close up of rifle stock

Superseal,

An interesting pair of rifles for sure. The kind you wish that they could talk and tell you what in the world happened.

The saddle ring carbine gets a few dollars for being a .44 WCF caliber. But then it loses dollars for the realtively poor condition. The stock is well worn and the bluing is suffering across the entire rifle. It was manufactured in 1897 so it qualifies as an antique. I did a lot of looking and comparing for this rifle and you might be able to get $750 to $1000 for it. If by any chance the bore is real good maybe just a touch more. As long as the wood has not been refinished, and it does not look like it in the photos, the aged but not touched value holds in there. Now that said it is not going to fly out the door. And a dealer is going to offer you half that much.

You didn't tell me the caliber of the takedown rifle. The takedown adds dollars but the broken stock takes them away. The antique status adds some back. The barrel bluing doesn't look real bad from your photos. And yes you do need a replacement elevator. They can be had for about ten bucks. It's worth it. Yo udo not need any more reason for someone to point out poor points. See, it is not so straight forward is it? You might have a hard time getting $1000 for it. The broken stock just makes it real difficult. If somebody tries to put a new stock on it they would most likely have to do the fore end also so that the wear looks the same. And the wood on it just looks like it may have been revarnished in the past. It is just a bit too shiney and smooth to match the condition of the metal on the rifle. More detailed high resolution phots might help.

I would rate both rifles at about 30% to 40% or so. And that limits the market also. Most collectors are driven towards higher condition rifles and by this condition range you start getting into the parts category. It is going to depend somewhat on how much effort you want to put into selling them.

Hope this didn't ruin the turkey dinner
Let me know if you ahve any questions
Glad to help
2bit

2bit, thanks again for a candid, informed response. No, your report will not ruin my Thanksgiving Dinner -- these two rifles that I picked up in Bolivia while on duty there with the Navy, I bought because I like guns and I like antiques. My intention never was to make money on them, but when it does come time to sell them, I'd like to get their market value whatever that may be. The take-down rifle is also a .44 WCF. I have fired both of them and they shoot fine. There is recognizeable rifling in both guns. Regarding the broken stock, I was thinking that someone who is good with wood could manufacture a piece to patch up the hole -- the stock, as is, is very solid and well secured to the rifle. Can you suggest where I can get an authentic sight for the rifle.
Thanks again for taking the time to respond, you've been a great help.

SUPERSEAL