Page 47 - 88-BOOK2

AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK WINCHESTER SLIDE ACTION RIFLES, VOL. I BY SCHWING
Through serial number 329999 (1907), only thirty-six factory engraved Model 1890s are recorded
in the available records. Of those, there was only four No. 9 engraved rifles, only two No. 9
engraved rifles in .22 short, and only a single blue finished #9 engraved rifle recorded. The rifle was manufactured in 1912 per the Winchester Collector’s Association, and it features a beaded blade front sight, an elevation adjustable sporting rear sight, “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN./CONN. U.S.A PAT. JUNE 26. 88. DEC. 6. 92. NOV. 27. 06. MAY 30. 1911.” and “-MOD. 1890-” on the upper left barrel flat ahead of the rear sight, “22 SHORT” caliber marking on the upper left barrel flat at the breech, Winchester “WP” proofs on the barrel and receiver at the breech, Third Model receiver with exposed locking lugs, standard upper tang markings and matching serial numbers on the lower tang and receiver. The receiver is engraved with flowing scroll, a detailed scene of a squirrel eating a nut on a branch on the right and a scene of a rabbit among some grass on the left (very fitting animals for a .22 short rifle) surrounded by scroll and wavy line patterns with textured shading. The rifle is mounted with a 1X fancy figured 12 groove slide handle and checkered pistol grip stock with a hard rubber Winchester grip cap and a blued steel crescent buttplate. The lower tang is marked “847X,” and the end of the buttstock and inside of the buttplate are marked with the matching assembly number “847.”
CONDITION: Excellent with 98% bright original high polish blue finish remaining, light cycling marks visible on the receiver rails, and some minor brown spotting on the magazine tube. The wood is also excellent with scattered small dings and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Factory engraved Model 1890 rifles are extremely rare, with exceptional documented examples like this being even more desirable. This rifle was considered noteworthy enough to retain a permanent record at the Winchester factory and remains in nearly the same condition as it did when it was photographed over one hundred years ago. Given the popularity of this model with collectors for generations and their rarity, the engraved Model 1890s, particularly those in high condition like this one, can make great investments, and this rifle is sure to add interest to any collection.
Estimate: 45,000 - 70,000
45