Early Winchester M1892 .38-40 with 23″ Barrel

Scarce early-production Winchester Model 1892 antique rifle chambered in .38-40 (aka “.38 WCF”). Made in 1893. (Serial # 35,36X). Octagonal  23″ barrel.  (Standard length was 30 inches, so this is likely a special-order rifle.) Unaltered full-length magazine. Factory buckhorn adjustable rear sight with some bright bluing. The front sight looks original. The stock and forend are in excellent condition, for this rifle’s age, with just minor scratches and no cracks — even at the wrist!  80% original blue on the barrel, and 50% on the magazine. Receiver shows some wear, but it has a nice even and unaltered look to it. Bore has some minor pitting but distinct rifling. Crescent buttplate has a worn finish (20% original blue). All markings are crisp so this does not appear to be a refinished gun. This rifle is very good mechanically, but the hammer does fall from quarter-cock if the trigger is pulled. (Needs to have the sear squared by a gunsmith.) Early Model 1892 rifles are rarely seen in this condition.  This rifle came from a ranch in northwest Montana. (ENSR-367)