Winchester Model 1885 High Wall 40-90 SS 32″ No 4 Single Shot Rifle Antique

SOLD FOR: $3001

LSB#: 230914LM081

Make: Winchester

Model: 1885 High Wall

Serial Number: 54949

Year of Manufacture: 1892

Caliber: 40-90 SS

Action Type: Lever Actuated Falling Block Single Shot

Barrel Length: 32″ Octagonal No. 4 Heavy Barrel

Sights / Optics: The front sight is an aftermarket globe style sight dovetailed into the barrel but there is no sight/aperture included. The rear sight is a semi-buckhorn “V” notch dovetailed into the barrel. The top tang is installed with a folding aperture peep sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut. The forend has a Schnabel tip with ebony insert. The buttstock has a straight grip, a straight comb, and a smooth metal crescent buttplate. There are some scattered scratches, dings, compressions, and nicks. There are are few scrapes that have removed wood, the most notable is on the right side of the forend. There are some scattered handling marks. There are areas of finish wear. Some of the edges and corners have light wear. There are some oil stains. Most of the defects have colored with age. The LOP measures 13 1/4? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has finish loss, pitting, and scabbing. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good-Fine condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blued & Case Colored

Finish Originality: Original. The trigger is a replacement.

Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is sharp. There is some erosion. There is leading throughout. In my opinion, the bore rates 6 out of 10.

Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collectors firearms.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 60% of its metal finish. The case color is muted and thinned. There are scattered nicks, dings, and scratches. There are areas of discoloration from previous oxidation and pitting. There are areas of mottled thinning, finish loss, and patina. There are some scattered operational marks and handling marks. The markings are clear. The screwheads show light wear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a Cody Firearms Museum letter.

Our Assessment: When they were first manufactured, the John Browning designed Winchester Model 1885 rifles were deemed stronger than the prior Sharps rifles, and the different sight and trigger options available made them an instant hit with hunters and target shooters alike. The Model 1885 rifles were targeted at competitors in “Match Shooting”, a sport which was extremely popular from about 1871 to 1917. The Winchester rifles challenged the Sharps, Remington, Maynard and Ballard rifles, and quickly became known for their reliability and accuracy. Major Ned Roberts, inventor of the .257 Roberts cartridge, described the Model 1885 as “the most reliable, strongest and altogether best single shot rifle ever produced”. This example is a 40-90 SS with a No. 4 heavy octagonal barrel and smooth walnut stocks. This one was built in 1892 and retains an impressive amount of finish for its age. Even the bore is impressive for a rifle this old and I’m sure much of the leading will come out if you’re patient enough. This will be a nice addition to your collection, especially if lacking an 1885! Please see our photos and good luck!

Some are hot, some are not, but thankfully most can be shot!
-Red