Featured in this lot is an exceedingly rare Winchester DELUXE MODEL 1890 with checkered pistol grip stock. One of the most sought after and difficult variations of the famed Model 1890 pump action .22 Rim Fire rifle is the Deluxe Model with pistol grip butt stock. Almost all Model 1890 rifles have plain, straight gripped stocks with no checkering. On special order only, Winchester would provide pistol grip stocks. Usually these are found plain or smooth and without checkering. Checkering on the pistol grip was an additional option. On these special rifles, Winchester provided a pistol grip cap that was made of black hard rubber and embossed with the Winchester name and held to the stock with an engraved screw. This example with serial number 558827 was manufactured in 1916 and is chambered in the scarce and desirable .22 WRF caliber (.22 Winchester Rim Fire). This cartridge featured a longer case, heavier flat nosed bullet, and was more powerful than the standard .22 Short Rim Fire or .22 Long Rim Fire chamberings (the .22 WRF is still loaded today by CCI and is readily available). The standard 24” barrel with correct 2/3 magazine retain an attractive aged blue appearance as does the receiver. All Winchester markings and patent dates on the barrel are sharp and distinct. The barrel ahead of the receiver is clearly marked “22 W.R.F.” and the upper tang retains good Winchester markings. This rifle also retains the original buckhorn rear sight with correct and desirable 1901 patent date. The front sight is the correct short blade with bead. The action is tight and the forend and forend screws are in excellent condition. The butt stock with attractive checkered pistol grip and grip cap fit nicely and show an old, professionally done crack repair. Wood to metal fit is tight and checkering on the pistol grip is fine. Bore is dark and would probably benefit from a thorough scrubbing and cleaning. The Model 1890 was one of the most iconic and successful of all 20th Century .22 Rim Fire rifles. Most saw hard use in target shooting, small game hunting and general plinking. Very few were special ordered with fancy checkered pistol grip stocks and few have survived in presentable condition today. This is an outstandingly rare 102 year old Winchester with a very attractive overall appearance. A very difficult and desirable fancy special order variation of Winchester’s earliest and most successful small bore rifle. This firearm qualifies as a Curio & Relic, and requires FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check. For a complete representation of condition and for additional images please call 800-686-4216. It is the buyer’s responsibility to view each image and preview the item to determine condition.