The accompanying factory letter search lists the serial number application date as March 22, 1899. The letter confirms the octagon barrel in .30 WCF, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, hard rubber shotgun buttplate, takedown configuration and engraved at an additional cost of $4.00 and was received in the warehouse on April 4, 1899, and shipped the same day. The receiver features a Winchester engraving consisting of scrollwork on a punch dot background, zig-zag line and dot borders and game scenes inside circle panels. Additional scrollwork is engraved on the forend cap, takedown collar and barrel flats at the breech. This style of engraving is illustrated and described in the October 1897 edition of "Winchester Repeating Arms Co., Highly Finished Arms" as reproduced on page 229 of R.L. Wilson's "Winchester Engraving." The rifle is fitted with a dovetail beaded blade Micro front sight, two folding leaf rear sight and folding tang peep sight. The top barrel flat is marked with two-line address ahead of the rear sight and "30 W.C.F." inside an engraved panel at the breech, and the upper left barrel flat is marked with the two-line nickel steel information. The antique range serial number is stamped on the lower front edge of the receiver. The highly figured pistol grip stock has a hard rubber Winchester grip cap and shotgun buttplate. The left side of the lower tang is marked "7266 XXX," and "7266" (faint) is repeated on the stock inlet.

Fine. The rifle retains 40% original blue finish with the balance a mottled brown-gray patina. There are a few tiny patches of minor pitting and evidence of artificial browning visible on the forward frame, breech, and takedown collar. The engraving is crisp. The refinished wood is also fine with a few very scattered minor pressure marks, a filled blemish on the forearm and crisp checkering. A minor chip is missing from the buttplate toe. Mechanically excellent.