This highly attractive early First Model 1890 was manufactured in 1891 and subsequently returned to the factory and engraved by J. Ulrich. The accompanying factory letter lists this rifle chambered in .22 Short when received in the warehouse on June 9, 1891, and it shipped the same day. The letter also lists an October 14, 1900, repair and return date for the rifle which falls within the period John Ulrich worked full-time for Winchester and within the period that he is known to have stamped his name on engraved guns until the practice was forbidden with the exception of arms in display cases, on September 1, 1904. The rifle has "J. ULRICH" stamped on the lower tang between the trigger guard and serial number similar to other known Ulrich engraved Winchesters. The rifle also has standard blade front and fixed notch rear sights, the second style barrel inscription, "22 SHORT" caliber marking on the top flat at the breech, the First Model solid frame, and standard markings on the upper tang. The receiver has been fully plated in lustrous gold, fitted with bright nitre blue screws, and features full coverage intricate scroll engraving with finely executed punch dot backgrounds, wavy line borders, flourishes of scroll on the tangs, blank inscription banner on the trigger guard, and standing deer panel scenes. It is mounted with a 1X fancy figured walnut 12 groove slide handle and straight grip stock with matching engraved and gold plated Swiss buttplate. The left side of the lower tang is marked "806 X," and matching numbers are on the end of the stock (along with "90") and inside of the buttplate.

Very fine as factory upgraded and subsequently gold plated. With 60% thinning factory blue finish on the barrel, edge wear, some surface pitting, light scratches, and areas of touched up artificial brown patina near the muzzle. The receiver has 90% gold plated finish with crisp, detailed engraving, some minor edge wear, traces of light pitting under the gold, and mostly dark gray patina on the hammer and trigger. The J. Ulrich signature is clear. The upgraded wood is also very fine with some scattered small dings, and some light edge wear on the buttplate. Mechanically excellent. Overall a very attractive and desirable Factory engraved J. Ulrich signed, gold plated Winchester model 1890, that would be a standout piece and any firearms collection.