Winchester Model 1885 22 Short .22 Caliber Single Shot Rifle – MFD 1887 Antique

Sold for: $2,610

Make: Winchester

Model: 1885

Serial Number: 13662

Year of Manufacture: 1887

Caliber: .22 Short

Action Type: Single Shot, Falling Block Rifle

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE / WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CONN. U.S.A.” and “22 SHORT”. The serial number is stamped on the lower tang and the tang sight is marked “LYMAN”.

Barrel Length: 24 3/8″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is German Silver and dovetail set blade and the rear sight is an unmarked semi-buckhorn leaf and elevator sight, also in a dovetail slot and with the elevator retained. The tang is mounted with a LYMAN peep sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock are original condition and original finish smooth wood. The wood to metal fit is perfect, even proud at the tangs. There is darkening of the wood, under the finish at the metal. There are scattered marks and depressions, primarily on the right side of the forearm and the left side of the wrist. there are no cracks. This is some of the best conditioned wood we’ve seen on an old Winchester. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the case colored crescent plate. The stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color Hardened

Finish Originality: Factory Original

Bore Condition: The bore is almost bright and the rifling is a bit worn. There is some very mild and very scattered erosion. the bore is great, but unfortunately not as great as the exterior, still a 7 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its Factory Original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows thinning on the barrel edges and a general light drift to patina. The vast majority of the finish and the color are retained. The frame shows a bit more thinning of the finish, with some muted case colors but still a lot of pattern and finish remaining. There is no erosion or pitting on the rifle and if we were not holding it and inspecting it, we would think it was a Roger’s restoration – but it’s not… The screw heads are sharp with tiny and untouched marks. The markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: The owners here will argue that this is the most important gun ever designed, we wouldn’t have the 1911 or the Ma Deuce without the 1885. Browning’s first gun, leading to many subsequent Winchester’s and Colt’s… All of which may have never come to fruition without the success of this great single shot.

This one is early in production and in about the best condition you could ever ask for in an 1885… We guarantee it is original and we bet it takes a LONG time to find a better one.

Winchester Model 1885 22 Short .22 Caliber Single Shot Rifle - MFD 1887 Antique
Winchester Model 1885 22 Short .22 Caliber Single Shot Rifle – MFD 1887 Antique