This is a beautiful example of an extremely rare deluxe factory engraved and highly embellished early Second Model Winchester Model 1890 slide action rifle that was manufactured in 1898. This is a Second Model that has the new takedown feature, but still retains the earlier concealed locking lugs of the First Model. The rifle features a very desirable factory "6.00" engraving pattern that was suited for small frame rifles like the 1890. The engraving is illustrated in George Madis' book "The Winchester Book" on page 525 and in R.L. Wilson's book "The Book of Winchester Engraving" on page 218. This engraving features delicate scrollwork and oval panel scenes depicting rabbits (right side) and squirrels (left side). The engraving also depicts wavy line borders applied to the top and front edges of the receiver with a fine line border around the edges of the stock, action group and tangs. The serial number is inside a banner. The rifle has been fitted with a beautiful extra fancy grade walnut pistol grip stock. The stock itself has an original Winchester hard rubber grip cap with a very fine line checkered pattern on each side of the pistol grip. It is also fitted with a standard 12 groove walnut pump handle that has just a hint of figure at the very front. The octagon barrel has the early Winchester markings "------MANUFACTURED BY THE -----/-----WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CONN. U.S.A.-----". The rear of the barrel has the caliber markings of "22 W.R.F," the cartridge developed by Winchester specifically for the Model 1890. This beautiful rifle has the Winchester blue finish on the barrel, bolt and magazine tube with the receiver, trigger guard/lower tang, hammer and buttplate all being casehardened. The accompanying factory letter to famous late collector John Woods on April 5, 1982 confirms the rifle configuration, caliber, checkered pistol grip stock, Winchester Express sights, takedown and factory engraving, which originally cost $6.00. The rifle was received in the warehouse on August 1, 1898 and shipped on August 1, 1898 with the rifle returned to the factory for repairs (type of repairs unknown) on June 7, 1899.

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 leer tang and trigger guard. The wood is also excellent showing some minor handling marks with most of the finish remaining and overall crisp checkering. Factory engraved Winchester Model 1890s of this high level are extremely rare! Provenance: Robert M. Lee Collection.