1892/1895

[jbi1104]

I have an opportunity to pick up one or both of the following:

1911 - Winchester 1892 .44-40 octagon 24"
1907 - Winchester 1895 in .30-03, marked .30 US Government

Any thoughts on either or value on either?

[dogman2]

That 1895 marked 30 Govt. is probably 30-40 Krag.

[jbi1104]

I thought the same, but it is indeed the obsolete .30-03, which was a short run production for Winchester, replaced by the 30-06 I believe.

[Mooseman684]

Originally Posted by jbi1104

I have an opportunity to pick up one or both of the following:
1911 - Winchester 1892 .44-40 octagon 24"
1907 - Winchester 1895 in .30-03, marked .30 US Government
Any thoughts on either or value on either?

It is hard to tell without close exam the true condition as to wether or not they have been refinished...Hopefully not.
The 1892 44-40 rifle looks in very good shape and is worth 2000 to 3000 dollars...if Original condition.
the 1895 30-03 would run 1500 to 2500 in value by what I can tell from its condition...
These are estimates from photos so it would be better to have them hands on appraised or graded for condition...
Rich

[Goodguy]

Originally Posted by jbi1104

I thought the same, but it is indeed the obsolete .30-03, which was a short run production for Winchester, replaced by the 30-06 I believe.

You’re correct. The .30-03 was first offered in 1905 and replaced by the .30-06 in 1908. After that it was only available on special order.
I’m curious about the condition of your 92. It may just be the light/reflection but wondering if that is pitting on the side of the receiver? And FYI of all the 92’s made the rifle (24” barrel) in .44-40 with octagon barrel, full length magazine & straight butt, was by far the most common accounting for about 80% of the total production. By comparison the least common was the .218 Bee at less than 1% and the .25-20 at about 4%. Many factors will affect monetary and collectible value. There were many other rare variations from the “standard run” which would increase value such as the musket or carbine model, shorter magazines, round or half-round-and-half-octagon barrels, as well as custom orders for engraving, deluxe wood, pistol grip stocks, tang sites, set triggers as so on. Having said that, condition is always a huge factor and if your 92 is in the condition that it appears to be and is unaltered then it is a highly desirable collectable and you should not pass on the opportunity to acquire it providing the price doesn’t include your first born. I am not as optimistic as Mooseman on the $ 2 to 3 K value, however, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and price is always dictated in the end by how badly a potential buyer wants the item.
I hope you’re able to acquire both these excellent finds.