Winchester 1885 Low Wall 26” .25-20 WCF Single Shot Rifle MFD 1889 Antique

SOLD FOR: $1,175.00

LSB#:  LSB250718LT122

Make: Winchester

Model: 1885 Low Wall

Serial Number: 37963

Year of Manufacture: 1889

Caliber: .25-20 W.C.F. 

Action Type: Lever Actuated Falling Block Single Shot

Markings: The right side of the barrel is marked “.25-20 W.C.F.   The top of the barrel is unmarked.  The bottom tang is marked with the serial number “37963” and “PAT. OCT. 7th 79.”  The bottom of the barrel underneath the forearm is marked ”37963 / 2-21-69 / A.L. KNIGHT, FORT WORTH, TEXAS / L.W”.

Barrel Length: 26”, Round

Sights / Optics: There is a J.Unertl scope mounted to the top of the barrel.  It is marked “59401”.  The front sight is a beaded blade atop a serrated ramp screwed to the barrel.  

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut. The forend has a schnabel tip with ebony insert. The buttstock is a fluted comb Monte Carlo stock with a raised cheekpiece and a steel checkered buttplate. The LOP measures 13 5/ 8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in Excellent condition as refinished Antique.

Type of Finish: Blued & Case Colored

Finish Originality: Refinished or replaced barrel

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and shiny. The rifling is strong.  There are no signs of erosion in the bore.  In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10. 

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its current metal finish. Most of the barrel has been treated with cold blue. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to slightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn and shallow, but legible. Overall, this rifle is in Fine condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger breaks crisply. The lever locks up solidly. 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: Comes with scope as described above.

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 chambered for .25-20 W.C.F. with a 26? round barrel. The rifle is in good shape for its age, mostly refinished with a decent bore and strong mechanics. The markings on the underside of the barrel indicate that it was replaced and professionally refinished in 1969 by  A.L. Knight of Ft. Worth , TX when most of the other refinishing work was likely completed. This Winchester Low Wall will make a nice addition to any collection and could be out plinking or taking small game for another century. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids! 

BF