If it’s a model 1890 made in 1907 and “barrel is marked Model 90”, isn’t that an indicator of a replaced / non-original barrel? If that’s the case, it certainly isn’t worth the current bid price, or am I missing something?
https://www.wardscollectibles.com/viewitem.php?item=4061
Don
Don,
Yes, a “MODEL 90” marked barrel on that rifle means that it is not the original barrel. The current bid amount is more than likely related to the fact that it is a semi-deluxe (pistol gripped) Model 1890. Undoubtedly, the next owner plans to replace the barrel with a correct period barrel.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
Don,
Yes, a “MODEL 90” marked barrel on that rifle means that it is not the original barrel. The current bid amount is more than likely related to the fact that it is a semi-deluxe (pistol gripped) Model 1890. Undoubtedly, the next owner plans to replace the barrel with a correct period barrel.
Bert
Bert H. said
Don,
Yes, a “MODEL 90” marked barrel on that rifle means that it is not the original barrel. The current bid amount is more than likely related to the fact that it is a semi-deluxe (pistol gripped) Model 1890. Undoubtedly, the next owner plans to replace the barrel with a correct period barrel.
Bert
A semi deluxe would have a checkered stock. A full deluxe has more checkering and deluxe wood. This looks like a plain pistol grip.
January 26, 2011

Very nice group of second model PG 1890’s…… cool to see the three variations of pistol grips together.
As to the original topic – I have a third model 1890 in 22 LR still marked as “1890”. I’ve always liked it because its the end of the 4 digit model number and the beginning of the 22 LR chambering in the same year.
And to cause some argument, I’m sure – The term semi-deluxe is used inconsistently between collectors, regardless of model. Some folks consider a plain pistol grip gun a semi-deluxe and others are adamant that it has to be a plain pistol grip checkered gun to call it semi-deluxe. I lean toward the latter, but since it’s not a Winchester cataloged term (to the best of my knowledge) it really cant be argued either way.
Cheers……
~Gary~
pdog72 said
Very nice group of second model PG 1890’s…… cool to see the three variations of pistol grips together.As to the original topic – I have a third model 1890 in 22 LR still marked as “1890”. I’ve always liked it because its the end of the 4 digit model number and the beginning of the 22 LR chambering in the same year.
And to cause some argument, I’m sure – The term semi-deluxe is used inconsistently between collectors, regardless of model. Some folks consider a plain pistol grip gun a semi-deluxe and others are adamant that it has to be a plain pistol grip checkered gun to call it semi-deluxe. I lean toward the latter, but since it’s not a Winchester cataloged term (to the best of my knowledge) it really cant be argued either way.
Cheers……
I can’t argue your point. The factory letters state plain wood pistol grip and plain pistol grip checkered. The deluxe only says checkered stock pistol grip. The gun is stamped XX on the lower tang.
The 1891 Winchester catalog gives you 4 options: Fancy walnut stock and forearm. Checkering buttstock and forearm. Fancy walnut stock and forearm, checkered. Pistol grip stock and forearm, fancy walnut, checkered.
The Winchester 1897 catalog they show an option for “pistol grip stock of fancy walnut checkered”. In 1920 the catalog states that model 90 stocks can be furnished singly or in combination with “pistol grip stocks, checkered stock, fancy walnut stock”.
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