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LOT 3004
Extremely Early First Year Production Two Digit Serial Number 52 Winchester Model 1890 Slide Action Rifle with Factory Letter - Serial no. 52, 22 RF Short cal., 24 24 inch octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. The Model 1890 rifle was the first slide action rifle ever produced by Winchester, was designed John and Matthew Browning and was one of the first successful slide action rifles. This example was manufactured in 1890, the first year of production, as a desirable solid frame variation of the Model 1890 rifle. No small bore slide action rifle collection can be considered complete without a first year production Model 1890, especially as one as early as this example, serial number 52. It is a First Model, the variation of the Model 1890 rifle that was built for a short time (1890-1892) and featuring the concealed locking lugs and solid frame. It is equipped with a dovetail front sight and a fixed notch rear sight. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line address (“-MANUFACTURED BY THE-/WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A.-”) ahead of the rear sight and the caliber marking (“22 SHORT”) is stamped at the breech. The two digit serial number (52) is stamped on the underside of the frame . The lower tang is stamped “PAT. JUNE 26. 1888.” The upper tang is stamped “WINCHESTER/MODEL 1890.” Mounted on a 12 groove rounded forearm and a straight grip stock fitted with a crescent buttplate. The accompanying factory letter confirms the .22 short chambering as well as received in the warehouse on December 5, 1890, shipped on December 9, 1890 and a repair and return date of April 4, 1900. CONDITION: Good with an overall thin brown patina on the barrel, visible pitting throughout. The wood is good with small scattered dings, some deeper dents and bruises, and overall gray patina on the buttplate with some surface pitting. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500
SERIAL NUMBER 52
LOT 3005 Winchester Deluxe Model 90 Slide Action Rifle with Rare Stainless Steel Barrel in .22 WRF - Serial no. 745776, 22 WRF cal., 24 inch octagon bbl., blue/black (Japaned) finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1931. The Winchester stainless steel barrel was introduced in 1927 and only offered until 1934. Lyman combination front and no provision for a rear sight on the stainless steel barrel with the seventh style barrel inscription with the “STAINLESS STEEL” marking, Winchester “WP” proofs on the barrel and receiver at the breech, “W.R.F.” marking on front of receiver, Third Model receiver with exposed locking lugs, matching numbers on the receiver and lower tang, and adjustable flip up peep sight on the upper tang. Checkered slide handle and straight grip stock with blue steel crescent buttplate. CONDITION: Fine. The barrel has 30% original black Japaned finish remaining with a smooth uniform gray patina on the balance, and well-defined markings. The receiver and magazine tube have 75% blue remaining with areas of brown patina, light spotting, small scratches, and mild edge wear. The wood is very fine with sharp checkering, some small dings. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
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