October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/23/2019
According to the factory letter, this .44 carbine was shipped on December 29, 1902 as a standard carbine, which it remains. Standard features include 20" barrel, full magazine, folding ladder rear carbine sight, post front sight, blue finish, walnut stocks, carbine metal butt, saddle ring and stud. Stamped on the left side of the barrel is "China Navigation Co. ltd." with export stamps and an F stamped on top of frame. The left side of the stock is stamped B? S- No. 116. This company was formed in 1872. John Swire and Sons initially ordered a trio of ships to be built for the Lower Yangtze trade before purchasing the Union Steam Navigation Company in 1873, giving CNCo two additional ships and leases on property in Shanghai and at other river ports. Despite regional issues, CNCo operated up to the Second World War. This carbine would have been issued to one of the companies ships for protection given the turbulent time in China at the turn of the century. It is unknown as to how many of these carbines were ordered but this is the first of its type we have encountered and it is amazing that it has survived in such fine, all original, condition. CONDITION: The barrel is a pleasing mix of original blue, starting to thin with some minor age spotting. The frame retains at least 75% of its original blue. The stocks are excellent, proud to metal, with just minor handling marks. Bore is sharp, action crisp and all legends are strong. A very nice and scarce historically documented Model 1892 SRC. DB
Paperwork
Factory Letter, Consignor Research