Winchester Model 1892 carbine with Cody Firearms Records Office Letter. The letter states that this carbine was shipped from Winchester on March 4, 1898. The letter describes the carbine features as: "Caliber 44, Fancy Checkered Stock" and "Bright Frame Butt Plates & Bands". This means that the gun was shipped absent of finish for engraving outside of factory. The carbine has a standard block mounted front sight behind the upper barrel band, folding leaf rear sight graduated to 200 yards (20), staple mounted saddle ring on the left side of the frame and a solid carbine style buttplate. The receiver, rear portion of the barrel, both barrel bands and heel of the buttplate are decorated with well executed scroll engraving on a punch-dot background. The barrel bands and receiver are gold washed or gold plated. The stock and forearm are highly figured fancy grain walnut with a piano finish and Winchester "Style H" checkering. The factory notation "Bright Frame Butt Plates & Bands" indicates that the carbine was shipped unfinished for outside engraving and finishing. The engraving is high quality but slightly less delicate than Winchester factory work. The top of the barrel is engraved "SEBASTIAN SALINAS" in block letters above the lower barrel band. An illegible military style cartouche and the rack number "213" are neatly stamped on both sides of the stock just above the buttplate. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped "MANUFACTURED BY THE/- WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CONN. U.S.A.-" between the lower barrel band and the rear sight. The caliber "44 W.C.F." is stamped on the top of the barrel between the rear sight and the receiver in an engraved oval surrounded by scrollwork. The serial number "80444" is stamped across the bottom of the receiver in an engraved oval. "MODEL 1892./-WINCHESTER-/PAT. OCT. 14. 1884." is roll-stamped in three lines on the upper receiver tang. The marking is surrounded by an engraved double line border. The engraving, deluxe stock and forearm and gold finish indicate that this carbine was the property of a wealthy individual or an important military or political figure. The rack numbers and cartouches on the stock indicate that the carbine subsequently saw military service; probably in Mexico during the revolutions and political upheavals during the early 20th Century. Research could reveal the identity of Sebastian Salinas and provide clues to the history of this unique carbine.

Very good. The carbine shows hard use and retains 30% of the gold washed finish on the receiver and barrel bands. The balance of the metal surfaces have aged to a dark brown patina. The metal surfaces are age textured with scattered light pitting. The engraving remains sharp and all of the markings on the barrel and receiver are legible. The stock and forearm are both in very good overall condition with moderate to heavy handling wear. This is a rare and unique Winchester Model 1892 carbine that probably has a colorful history.