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I bought this Model 90, Ser. #700156 about 12 years ago. I am no expert on original finishing, but it looked good to me. What do the experts say? RDB
I’m not an expert either, but I have refinished a few very “low condition” 1890s and the tell-tale signs aren’t there. I’d say this is an original. An exceptional example.
The only thing that would give me pause is the fitment of the crescent buttplate to wood. But I’ve never owned a Deluxe, and I understand Winchester did put special care in their higher tier lineup.
If it’s been refinished I’d like to know by whom, because it’s very good. But I’d bet it’s original. I’ll give you $500….I’ll even pay shipping….lol..
If it’s a refinish I really want to hear what I missed – I really like learning these little details.
I agree. A beautiful original example of original finish. Wood to metal fit looks perfect. Bluing looks original too with the correct hue and slight wear in all the correct places. I’ll give you $525 plus shipping!😁😎
Don
I don’t see a problem. This is what the collectors call a plain pistol grip. No checkering or fancy wood. And it is in my favorite caliber.
Online
Chuck,
I’ve heard a pistol grip stock, without checkering, called a, “semi deluxe”, would that be correct? I know Winchester didn’t use the term, “Deluxe”, as it’s a collector terminology. Just curious.
Anthony
Anthony said
Chuck,I’ve heard a pistol grip stock, without checkering, called a, “semi deluxe”, would that be correct? I know Winchester didn’t use the term, “Deluxe”, as it’s a collector terminology. Just curious.
Anthony
Generally the collectors call the non fancy wood with the lesser checkering the semi deluxe. A deluxe has fancy wood and better checkering. We all know this is not what Winchester called them. So you will hear a lot of variations. Throw in straight grips and round barrels and it gets more complicated.
I do not own these any more but are examples. 
Anthony said
Chuck,I’ve heard a pistol grip stock, without checkering, called a, “semi deluxe”, would that be correct? I know Winchester didn’t use the term, “Deluxe”, as it’s a collector terminology. Just curious.
Anthony
Yes, that is the generally used term used by most collectors & dealers. Winchester would have listed it as a standard Model 90 rifle with a special order PG stock. The s/n makes it a September 1924 production rifle.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
I’ve had other Winchester models with 8-10 factory extra features but with plain wood, I call them a “delux gun”, how ever others call them a “semi-deluxe”. On he other hand I have guns with 2-3 factory extra features with fancy wood, and they are called “deluxe”, so I guess there is no set rule unless You figure a gun needs factory “fancy wood”, to be considered a “deluxe”. Consider these: 1886 with 10 factory features, 1894 with 2 factory features, which one would You call “deluxe”?
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
Henry Mero said
I’ve had other Winchester models with 8-10 factory extra features but with plain wood, I call them a “delux gun”, how ever others call them a “semi-deluxe”. On he other hand I have guns with 2-3 factory extra features with fancy wood, and they are called “deluxe”, so I guess there is no set rule unless You figure a gun needs factory “fancy wood”, to be considered a “deluxe”. Consider these: 1886 with 10 factory features, 1894 with 2 factory features, which one would You call “deluxe”?
Henry,
The Model 1886 is a standard ELW Take Down rifle with a special order PG butt stock and Lyman tang sight… all of the other listed features were standard for an ELW Take Down rifle. It has (2) special order features.
The Model 1894 is a Fancy Sporting Rifle with no special order features.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Henry Mero said
I’ve had other Winchester models with 8-10 factory extra features but with plain wood, I call them a “delux gun”, how ever others call them a “semi-deluxe”. On he other hand I have guns with 2-3 factory extra features with fancy wood, and they are called “deluxe”, so I guess there is no set rule unless You figure a gun needs factory “fancy wood”, to be considered a “deluxe”. Consider these: 1886 with 10 factory features, 1894 with 2 factory features, which one would You call “deluxe”?
Bert beat me, But I have to concur, the 86 is basically a standard ELW with pistol grip stock and tang site. All my ELW letters read about the same as your Henry.
Okee – Dokee, Maybe 3 features if You count the checkering on the ’86. Any way that leads Me to wonder why They wouldn’t just call the ’94 a Fancy Sporting rifle and not bother listing the pistol grip and checkering in the ledgers and letters.
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
rogertherelic said
Roger,
I feel you’re 90 looks pretty good, and I would lean towards all original in very nice shape. We know how hard it is to find one in that nice of condition, as they really we’re used as tools! Making it all the more suspicious! A very nice all original specimen to me!
Anthony
Henry Mero said
Okee – Dokee, Maybe 3 features if You count the checkering on the ’86. Any way that leads Me to wonder why They wouldn’t just call the ’94 a Fancy Sporting rifle and not bother listing the pistol grip and checkering in the ledgers and letters.
The CFM factory letters simply list exactly what was recorded in the ledger record entry. For whatever reason, the Winchester employees very seldom ever used the catalog nomenclature “Fancy” and instead they wrote out the details of the gun in question including the standard configuration information.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
rogertherelic said
I bought this Model 90, Ser. #700156 about 12 years ago. I am no expert on original finishing, but it looked good to me. What do the experts say? RDB
Roger it looks all original to me and I would’ve purchased it also. Beautiful example and a pistol grip. Great find. Im jealous.
Rick C
Looks right as rain to me, and it n very high condition. I have multiple PG 1890/90s but have yet to find the right uncheckered PG- envy here!
Thank you, to all who offered an opinion. My past purchases don’t always receive such high approval. I tend to buy what I like and more than once my purchases have not proven to be correct when examined by a knowledgable person. At least I have bought what I liked. 
RDB
November 7, 2015
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Looks like a very nice, honest gun. But I’m with you, sometimes I miss something that a more discerning eye will catch.
Mike
