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Extremely Rare Documented Antique Factory Engraved, Nickel and Gold-Plated, Factory Exhibition Winchester Deluxe Model 1890 Slide Action Rifle with Factory Letter - Serial no. 47381, 22 short cal., 24 inch octagon bbl., nickel/gold finish, walnut stock. This is an extremely rare deluxe factory engraved, nickel/gold-plated Second Model Winchester Model 1890 slide action rifle that was manufactured in 1897. The accompanying factory letter confirms the caliber as .22 short, checkered pistol grip stock, factory engraving and gold and nickel plating. The rifle was received in the warehouse on February 20, 1897, and shipped on February 22. The letter lists several “repaired and returned dates,” which are 9-13-97, 1-6-98, 3-18-98, 12-28-98 and 2-9-99. Having several
LOT 1039
return dates in close proximity to one another suggests that this rifle was a traveling factory show gun. The
1897 American Institute Fair, Tennessee Centennial and International Exposition (1897), Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition (1898) and California’s
Golden Jubilee (1898) are a few possibilities where this rifle might have
been showcased.
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