Lot 18

Factory Engraved Winchester Deluxe Model 1890 Slide Action Rifle

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Factory Engraved Winchester Deluxe Model 1890 Slide Action Rifle

Estimate: $50,000 - $85,000

Starting Bid: $45,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
June 27, 2026 5:00 PM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Rare Well-Documented Antique Factory Engraved Winchester Deluxe Model 1890 Slide Action Rifle with Factory Letter The 1890 rifles were often bought as “boys’ rifles” for youngsters’ first rifles and thus are generally found in plain configurations and lesser condition. Not this example; this gun checks all the boxes with its exceptional condition and desirable configuration which is confirmed by the included 1982 dated factory letter addressed to well-known collector John Woods. The letter confirms the caliber, checkered pistol grip stock, Winchester Express sights, takedown configuration, and factory engraving, which originally cost only $6.00. Oh, how the times have changed. The letter further states that the rifle was received in the warehouse on August 1, 1898, and shipped the same day, and also lists the rifle as having been returned to the factory for unlisted repairs on June 7, 1899. The rifle was manufactured in 1898 and is a highly attractive example of an extremely rare deluxe factory engraved Winchester Model 1890 slide action rifle. The rifle has a blued octagon barrel featuring a white beaded blade dovetailed front sight, special order folding two-leaf express rear sight, the early Winchester marking “-MANUFACTURED BY THE -/-WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CONN. U.S.A.-”, and the caliber markings "22 W.R.F." near the breech, a cartridge specifically designed for the Model 1890. The casehardened action displays Winchester’s “Number 8” pattern engraving noted as especially well-suited for rifles having small frames and pictured on page 525 of George Madis’ “The Winchester Book”. This exact rifle is pictured on page 161 of Ned Schwing's "Winchester Slide-Action Rifles Volume One". Page 178 of Schwing's book also lists that just seven Model 1890s with casehardened frames were engraved in the Number 8 pattern during the production of the Second Model rifles. The engraving shows delicate scrollwork surrounding oval panel scenes depicting a trio of rabbits beneath a tree on the right side and a pair of squirrels on a branch on the left side. The engraving also features wavy line borders engraved on the top and front edges of the receiver and a fine line border around the edges of the stock. The upper tang shows the Winchester factory markings, and the lower tang has the serial number in a banner. The rifle has the takedown feature of the Second Model with the thumbscrew on the left of the action but still retains concealed locking lugs. The rifle is fitted with a beautiful extra fancy grade walnut 12-groove slide handle and pistol grip stock with fine multi-point checkering. The stock has the original Winchester hard rubber grip cap and a casehardened crescent buttplate. The left side of the lower tang is marked "5925XXX," and "5925" is repeated on the butt and buttplate.

Manufacturer: Winchester

Model: 1890

BBL: 24 inch octagon

Stock: deluxe walnut

Gauge: 22 WRF

Finish: blue/casehardened

Serial Number60558

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: The John Woods Collection; The Robert M. Lee Collection; A Private Collection
  • Condition: Exceptionally fine. The barrel, bolt and magazine retain 95% original blue finish showing some thinning to a brown. The remaining metal surfaces retain 80% plus original case colors showing some fading to gray on the lower tang and trigger guard. The highly figured wood is excellent showing some minor handling marks with most of the finish remaining and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Factory engraved Winchester Model 1890s of this high level are extremely rare and desirable!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000