Make: Winchester Repeating Arms Co.

Model: 1890

Serial Number: 444898

Year of Manufacture: 1910

Caliber: .22 Short

Action Type: Pump Action, Tubular Magazine Fed

Barrel Length: 24", Octagonal

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is a "V"-notch sight, screw-adjustable for elevation, screwed to the rear of the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight (none present).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece deluxe walnut with a grooved slide handle, capped, checkered pistol grip, straight comb, and steel crescent buttplate. The wood shows some minor compressions and faint scratches consistent with age and light use. There is a small loss at the toe. There are some open grain lines, but no cracks that extend to edges. The length of pull measures 12 7/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has mostly worn to white or gone to a light patina with infrequent surface erosion. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright, the rifling is sharp. There is infrequent minor erosion and a few spots of minor pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. Most of the balance is finish wear in the magazine tube, tangs, and top of the bolt. Most worn areas have gone to a light patina with some other scattered minor surface oxidation. There are some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition.

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

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1890 was one of the most successful and iconic early slide-action .22 rifles, designed by none other than John Moses Browning. These rifles were built with tight tolerances and excellent craftsmanship, making them a favorite among small game hunters, target shooters, and youth riflemen throughout the early 20th century.

This Deluxe example, chambered in .22 Short with its classic 24” octagon barrel and crescent buttplate, is a wonderful representation of the design. Manufactured in 1910, it is well into Curio & Relic status and remains in very good condition over a century later. The select walnut is solid and smooth, and the mechanics are clean and reliable.

For collectors, the .22 Short chambering is one of the classic loadings, this rifle’s checkered pistol grip, crisp markings and high original finish make it a desirable addition to any Winchester or vintage rimfire collection. Whether you’re a collector of Browning designs, a fan of early Winchester rimfires, or a nostalgic plinker, this Model 1890 is a well-preserved example with plenty of historical and practical appeal. Please see our photos and good luck!