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Winchester 1890

DMC
What version is Winchester 1890 ser 301795, 2nd or 3rd?
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9 comments

Date Votes
  • DMC
    Wish to find a source of information explaining the mechanical functions of parts, in detail, during the operation of this rifle. Will greatly appreciate knowing of available reference. Thanks for your help - please address to jclane40@yahoo.com

    Dr. J. Curtis Lane
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  • drl50
    Winchester book puts it as 1899. There are several auctions on Gunbroker of various ages and condition.

    Winchester crazy
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  • rockford
    quote:Originally posted by DMC
    Looking for some information on a Winchester 1890 22 Short serial 739xx, year made and what it might be worth. I would put it at ~75%



    You should be very careful as to value of your rifle. Being it is pre-1901 it should have a case hardened receiver. The condition of your rifle is critical as to value. Also, there are deluxe models, so be sure to study the market carefully. If the rifle is correct and case colors are strong, your rifle could be worth thousands.
    Fred
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  • wundudnee
    You have received some good information here. The receiver for your rifle was manufactured between July and August 1899. That is as close to the manufacture date you can get, because the receivers were then boxed and were sometimes months or even years later used. Approximately the first 100,000 1890s were all case colored. There were a few that were plated with nickle, silver and gold. (very few)

    rockford is correct about condition being the most important thing about your rifle. Original case colored 1890s with the case colors showing are very rare and very valuable, as the case colors fade very easily. Also Winchester offered so many different options in the early years that you have to be very careful to authenicate them, as just about anythings possible.

    You can get an idea of value by searching the sold auctions, not the for sale auctions, as some sellers have no idea what they have.

    rockford, I didn't know you were nearly a neighbor. I live near Perry, Ks. and love the old 1890s&1906s. wundudnee

    ....................
    Old? First you forget names; then you forget faces; then you forget to pull your zipper up; then you forget to pull your zipper down.
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  • DMC
    Thanks for the replies...

    Was thinking about getting it completely restored for my son. What's your opinion on restoration? Any recommendations on appraisers or gunsmiths for restoration?
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  • wundudnee
    http://www.gunshop.com/dougt.htm

    Here is a link to probably the premier restorer in the country.

    However the word (restoration) can open up a whole new can of worms.
    First you have to determine the collectibility of your rifle. If it is a highly desireable rare example, sometimes it is better to just leave it alone. If it is just a common example, sometimes it is fun to have it relined, reblued, refinished and have an excellent historic shooter. Some people will say anything you do will degrade the value. I don't feel that way, or I wouldn't keep patching up my old pickup.[:D] Restoration or restored can be a very expensive project that should probably only be done on very worn and very rare rifles. I have several 1890s that have been accosted and I still don't throw rocks at them. I should look so good after 90-100 years.[:p]

    ....................
    Old? First you forget names; then you forget faces; then you forget to pull your zipper up; then you forget to pull your zipper down.
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  • rockford
    quote:Originally posted by DMC
    Looking for some information on a Winchester 1890 22 Short serial 739xx, year made and what it might be worth. I would put it at ~75%



    If it were my rifle, the first thing I would do, is figure out just what the current value of the gun is. Then, depending on that figure, I might decide to sell it and using only part of the money it brought, buy another, more common version, one with a blue receiver, maybe even a restored one. Some very nice examples could be had for only a fraction of what the older gun brings. Of course, this is only speculation at this time.

    Fred
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  • DMC
    Thought about the sell and buy, but really have no idea of worth. Anyone have an appraiser they would recommend? I live in St Louis area
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  • rockford
    quote:Originally posted by DMC
    Thought about the sell and buy, but really have no idea of worth. Anyone have an appraiser they would recommend? I live in St Louis area


    Personally, I would not be in a hurry to sell the rifle. Take your time, if possible visit some gun shows in your area. To be on the safe side, don't take the rifle with you. That way, you won't make a quick decision without fully knowing what you are doing. Look at all the similar rifles you can, remembering that those with case colors are so much scarcer than blue ones. I have one here, an 1890 with most of it's orig. blue still intact. Even so, your rifle most likely is worth two or three times what mine is. So take good care of it, keep it well oiled, the metal, not the wood. As you learn more about it, the more you will appreciate it.

    Fred
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