What Can You Tell Me About This "92"

[paledun]

A number of years ago I purchased an old Winchester 1892 which has been a wall decoration in my loading room along with a number of other older pieces.  With age and consideration of moving to a smaller place, I've become interested in what may be the history of this piece.  The serial number on the receiver is 597149.  The caliber is 44 WCF.  The only other markings or on the left side of the barrel directly under 44 WCF and are four small letter that are not ledgeable followed by ALEX VA and do not appear to have been placed by Winchester.  The lever and firing functions all work but not safe to fire.  This 92 has had a long and hard life but not necessarily abused.  The barrel has a fairly large bulge which may have ended its working life.  Any information or guesses appreciated.

[DeaconKC]

I'm not home so I can't help on the year, but at least I can tell you that 44WCF is usually referred to as the .44-40 today [you probably already knew this]. If you can find a used barrel, the bolt face is the same for the 44-40 and .38-40, so you could look for a donor barrel form either from Numrich, etc.

[Coffinmaker]

Paledun 

Based on your description of the only markings on the Rifle, what you have is an imported Replica 1892.  Not an actual "Winchester."  I know at one time there was an Importer operating out of Alexandria Virginia but I just can't remember the Name.  Sorry I can't offer more.

PS;  PLUS ONE for The Deacon.  Once you identify the thread and pitch for the barrel, re-barreling could well return it to serviceable condition.

[Major 2]

Hey Coach! send me in 

The Importer you speak of was International Arms Corporation (Interarms)
The gun a Rossi M92 or the Spanish "El Tigre" Winchester 92 Copy.
Interarms, a one time or another handled both.

[Abilene]

Unless it was a Winchester that had been rebarreled in the past with a Rossi or El Tigre barrel (I don't know if that can even be done).  That s/n would have put it at 1911. 

[greyhawk]

looks like a winchester serial number
I had a early Rossi (1960 - 70) had a K prefix ahead of a 5 digit number  - most repro makers use a serial no different than the original (letter prefix usually part of it)

The other markings could be a distributor mark - a couple of early Aussie importers added their own marks - I had a 32/20 with a barrel marked "The Stinger" under a neat little picture of a paper Wasp - wings out and tail down like just before he bit.

Be interesting to know how long that shop Coffin refered to was in business ?
Also when did  the Rossi and El Tigre first come available ??

Interesting little puzzle eh?   

[Major 2]

The first El Tigre rifles were made 1923.
Heavy used in the Spanish Civil War.


I venture more El Tigre rifle are seen in Hollywood oaters subbing for Winchester's than Winchesters
themselves.
Many were imported and Hollywood Rentals " Stonebridge & Western Costume"
had a large number of them.

[Coffinmaker]

  YEPPER!! 

Thats Them.  Interarms.  Thanks Major 2.  Unfortunately, I have the memory of a Gnat.  A small flighty Gnat at that.

Interarms was actually around for quite a while.  In my sordid past, I did action work on quite a few El Tigre replica '92s.  Those rifles set up quite nicely, unless already worn out (most).  They could be easily rebuilt with Winchester parts.  The only real distraction was the Wacko Thousand Meters military ladder sight.

[Major 2]

Yep... provider of obsolete trivia 

[paledun]

Well Winchester or clone, this old "Winchester" will remain on my loading room wall and quietly rest.

[Major 2]

I have one on my loading room wall myself 

[Coffinmaker]

Ech 

I just don't have a '92 at all (anymore).  Once had a really nice Navy Arms "short rifle" I dumbly let get away.  Oh well.