I see some Marlin stuff I'll post shortly
Wm Frankfurth Hardware Company, 1917
No Winchester rifles marked "Special" but by 1917, the Marlin special smokeless barrels are advertised. It looks like Marlin was the one boasting the steel barrels, while Winchester was quiet but did offer the "steel barrel" advertisements in 1917....as well as offering the nickel.....but never boasting between black powder and smokeless powder
Here is a list, common knowledge, of the rifles offered during 1917
Better photos