[SwedeSteve]

Didn't they used to have a serial number lookup function ??

[rimfirenut]

They used to, I use this one...

Winchester Manufacture Dates

Pre-1899 Antique Serial Numbers (From Empire Arms. Use at own risk.) ... WINCHESTER DATES OF MANUFACTURE ... Other Serial Number And Markings Links: ...
Winchester Manufacture Dates - Cached - Similar

[SwedeSteve]

Yep, I found that one too rfn. But they don't have any data for the 1890...

[.22hustler]

Or the 490, 250, or 290.

[chesterwin]

Swede. The Blue Book has serial numbers for the 1890 from 1908, (330,000) to 1932, (734,454). From 1890 to 1907 it says you'll have to contact the Cody Firearms Museum.
The Blue Book lists the end serial number for each year from 1908 to 1932. I can look the year up for you if your number is above 330,000.

[SwedeSteve]

Actually, the serial number is higher than what the Blue Book shows. Something about several thousand guns being built after they stopped production, utilizing existing parts ??