Winchester 1892 SRC Lever Action .44-40 19th Century Frontier Tribute Engraved by Ralph Alpen

Winchester 1892 SRC

The Winchester 1892 Saddle Ring Carbine (SRC), chambered in .44-40 WCF, is a masterpiece of both historical significance and artistic craftsmanship, transformed into a 19th Century Frontier Tribute by master engraver Ralph O. Alpen. Manufactured in 1919, this lever-action carbine features a 20-inch barrel and a full-length magazine, embodying the iconic design by John Browning that became a staple of the American West. Upgraded with elaborate gold inlays and intricate engravings, this firearm tells a poignant dual narrative of the frontier era, making it a collector’s treasure and a testament to Alpen’s skill.

The left side of the receiver depicts a hopeful prospector panning for gold beside a pack-laden burro, symbolizing the ambition and dreams of settlers seeking prosperity. This scene is set against a coniferous woodland backdrop, surrounded by full-coverage vine-type foliate scroll with fancy borders. The right side portrays the somber “End of the Trail” by James Earle Fraser, with a gold-inlaid Native American warrior slumped on his weary horse, representing the decline of a revered culture. Both sides feature finely stippled backgrounds and elaborate engravings extending to the upper and lower receiver, lever, and barrel, with a single gold band at the muzzle and an elliptical gold inlay on the lever. The carbine is fitted with a pinned blade front sight, carbine leaf rear sight, and a staple-attached saddle ring, complemented by a post-64 Model 94-style shortwood forearm and straight-grip stock of highly figured burl walnut with a checkered steel buttplate.

This extraordinary piece, signed by Ralph Alpen on the top tang, is not just a firearm but a narrative artifact, previously displayed at the Booth Western Art Museum and the Marietta Cobb Museum. Ideal for collectors of fine firearms, Western history enthusiasts, or those seeking a unique display piece, the Winchester 1892 SRC Frontier Tribute combines historical authenticity with unparalleled artistry, preserving the legacy of the American frontier.

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