Manufactured in 1902, this deluxe Model 1890 shows beautifully executed factory No. 6 pattern engraving. The accompanying Winchester Gun Museum letter lists this rifle with .22 Long chambering, checkered pistol grip stock, matted barrel, and $10.00 No. 6 engraving when it was shipped on December 10, 1902. The barrel is marked with the two-line address/patent marking and caliber designation on the upper left flat, a flourish of floral scroll engraving at the breech, and it is fitted with dovetailed beaded blade front, elevation adjustable notch rear, and tang mounted peep sights. The barrel also displays two very scarce special order features, those being a threaded muzzle with checkered thread cap and the top flat being matted. Mounted with a twelve-groove slide handle and finely figured pistol grip stock with a hard rubber grip cap and crescent buttplate. The rifle is pictured on page 173 of "Winchester Slide Action Rifles Volume I" by Schwing, where the engraving, which features a bighorn sheep scene on the left and a stag scene on the right surrounded by floral scroll, is described as likely by Herman or John Ulrich or one of their apprentices. The left side of the lower tang is marked "14869 XX", and the buttstock under the buttplate is marked "14869". The rifle is again pictured in Schwing's book on page 240 where the extreme rarity of the matted barrel is discussed, with only five rifles ordered with the feature between serial number 1 and 329,999. The combination of masterful factory engraving, extremely rare special order features, and being featured in the preeminent book on Winchester slide actions truly makes this a rifle worthy of the most advanced and prestigious collection.

Fine, retains 40% original blue finish with the receiver and some edges showing mostly an attractive smooth grey patina and crisp engraving. The wood is also fine with some minor dings and scratches scattered throughout, mostly well-defined checkering, and retaining most of the varnish. Mechanically excellent.