ENGRAVED WINCHESTER MODEL 1903/03 DELUXE RIFLE

SERIAL NUMBER: 87357. BARREL: 20". CALIBER: .22 AUTO. MANUFACTURED: 1914. This historically significant Winchester Model 1903 Deluxe features a receiver manufactured in 1914, chambered for the proprietary .22 Winchester Automatic smokeless cartridge. The top plane of the receiver bears the standard interlocking "WP" (Winchester Proof) mark, and the lower tang displays matching internal assembly codes "4" and "99," confirming the frame and premium checkered walnut stock were originally hand-fitted by a master factory craftsman. The barrel is stamped with the later "Model 03" nomenclature, indicating an official Winchester factory-executed replacement rather than an aftermarket swap. Because the barrel bears the standard "WP" proof stamp but lacks the oval "P" mail-order stamp, it confirms the rifle was returned directly to the New Haven factory repair shop post-1919 for refurbishment. This official factory service explains the smooth, uncheckered wooden forend; the famously fragile original Deluxe forend likely cracked under recoil and was replaced by Winchester technicians during the re-barreling process. The receiver features master-grade, hand-chiseled engraving. The left panel contains a detailed wildlife vignette of a Woodcock or Wilson's Snipe set against ultra-fine, smooth parallel-line gradient shading on the horizon line. The right panel displays an elegant, asymmetrical floral and foliate scroll motif framing the action. Additionally, the top of the receiver has been professionally drilled and tapped for a vintage optics mount. CONDITION: NRA Good to Very Good. The barrel with roughly 60% original blueing and a receiver completely worn to a smooth silver-brown patina. The deluxe checkered buttstock shows moderate handling marks and a missing chip, while the top of the receiver has been professionally drilled and tapped for a vintage optics mount. C&R 25-877