Make: Winchester

Model: 2nd Model 1890 Deluxe Grade, #8 Engraving

Serial Number: 151770

Year of Manufacture: 1902

Caliber/Gauge: .22 Short

Action Type: Pump-Action, Tubular Magazine

Barrel Length: 24"

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a folding mid range beach sight. The rear sight is a fixed u-notch sporting sight screwed into the barrel. There is an adjustable aperture sight mounted to the tang. 

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The deluxe grade furniture is wood with a straight comb, checkered semi-pistol grip, 12 rib forend, and a smooth metal crescent buttplate. The buttplate shows oxidation and has most of its finish worn off. The furniture shows moderate wear with pressure dings, scuffs, and scratches throughout. The LOP measures about 12.5" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are two cracks running from the lower tang and another running from the lower left side of the buttplate. This furniture rates in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is worn. There is mild erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its metal finish. The receiver has lost most of its finish and has a few small dings. There is a German View mark on the chamber ring. The magazine tube shows operational wear with a few scratches and patina peaking through breaks in the finish. The barrel finish shows scattered dings, scuffs, and freckling. The screw heads range from unmarred to lightly tooled with turnable slots. The markings are clear and complete. The #8 engravings remain crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a Cody Records Office search which indicates that this rifle was produced chambered for .22 Short with a checkered pistol grip stock, mid-range and Beach and Sporting rear sights, factory engraved, received in warehouse December 13 and shipped December 29, 1902 on order 11429.

Our Assessment: This rifle represents an extraordinary and seldom encountered Winchester variant. It is documented as one of only three known factory engraved Deluxe Grade Second Model 1890 rifles with Number 8 engravings and a blue finish. These three blued Deluxe Grade #8 engraved rifles are briefly mentioned in Winchester Slide-Action Rifles Volume I: Model 1890 & 1906, page 180, underscoring their recognized status within authoritative Winchester scholarship.

Approximately 70% of the original blue finish remains, an impressive level of preservation given the rifle's age and rarity. The engraved surfaces remain crisp and legible, and the overall presentation retains the refined appearance expected of a factory Deluxe Grade Winchester. The 24" barrel provides the classic long profile associated with early Model 1890 rifles, and the stock and metal contours reflect Winchester's highest level of workmanship for the period.

Factory engraved slide action Winchesters are exceedingly rare, and being Deluxe Grade makes it rarer still. The fact that this rifle is one of only three documented blued Deluxe Grade Second Model 1890s with Number 8 engraving elevates it into the highest tier of Winchester pump rifle collecting. The inclusion of a letter from the Cody Firearms Records Office further solidifies its authenticity and provenance.

This rifle should be evaluated first and foremost as a museum level collectible, representing the pinnacle of Winchester's turn of the century slide action craftsmanship. Its documented rarity, factory engraving, Deluxe Grade status, and scholarly recognition place it among the most significant Model 1890 rifles known to exist.