This is an early production Model 1890 Rifle with a case color hardened frame.  Caliber .22 Long, takedown frame,  24" octagon barrel, and crescent rifle buttplate.  Antique serial number is in the 32,000 range.  Made in 1895, less than 1 in 10 Model 90's qualify as Pre-1898 antiques.  Most 1890's, particularly early ones, are usually found in .22 short and  occasionally a .22 WRF....so this was kind of neat to find one in Caliber .22 Long for a change.  

Overall condition is NRA Antique Fine+ with about 50-60% thinning and faded case colors on the frame with with a few freckles and some brighter flashes in protected areas. Balance has faded to silver.  Left side of the frame shows more colors than the right which is more mottled in appearance. Barrel and magazine tube have 85% original blue.  Nice early style markings include the 2 line Winchester address on the top of the barrel and the patent dates on the upper tang.  Sights are the early style with non-adjustable block type rear sight.  Very good wood with tight even wood to metal fit that isn't undersized.  No chips or cracks.  Very Good mechanics and takedown screw still locks everything up tight.  Bore is Good overall with decent rifling and a few minor pits...quite respectable for a black powder era .22.   A nice example of an early case colored 1890 in a desirable caliber.

Item# 0617

SOLD