R.I.A. 1890|General Discussions & Questions|Forum|Winchester Collector

Henry,

Collectors are understandably wary about any rifle that cannot be documented —- most especially so for high dollar engraved specimens like an Ulrich engraved rifle.  The rifle in question has a factory letter which says nothing about engraving, or the swiss butt plate, or the gold finish, etc.. It says the rifle was returned in 1900, but lacking a R&R work sheet, this rifle will always raise concerns.  

I have a (much less rare) Winchester 1890 with a somewhat similar problem: it was made in 1895 and letters as a .22 SHORT, and the factory letter notes it was returned to the factory for repair in 1899.  It came to me as it presently sits, as a .22 WRF, with every detail of the barrel roll marking correct for that time period.  I’m 99% certain that it was returned to Winchester to have a .22 WRF barrel installed, but I can not prove that. It will always raise red flags for the purist collector. All I have to go on is the fact of a return and the rifle itself.  

Only you can decide if it’s worth investing the large amount necessary to bring home that beautiful engraved 1890, but be advised that if or when you sell it, many collectors will walk away because the letter does not match the gun.

BRP

Henry–Contact Pauline M, she can verify the engraving–Bill

I can’t verify it, but I like it. Good luck if you decide to bid.