Winchester Mod 1885 High Wall .222 RIM 28” Octagonal Single Shot Rifle C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,675.00

LSB#:  LSB250718LT121

Make: Winchester

Model: 1885 High Wall

Serial Number: NSNV

Year of Manufacture: Unknown

Caliber: .222 Rimmed Cartridge

Markings: The left side of the barrel near the chamber is marked “.222 RIM”  The barrel address is stamped “-MANUFACTURED BY THE-  / -WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A.- “  The bottom tang is marked “PAT. OCT. 7th 79” with no serial number present.  “

Action Type: Lever Actuated Falling Block Single Shot

Barrel Length: 28”,  No.2 Heavy Octagonal Barrel (Sleeved to .222 RIM)

Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights.  There is a Unertl scope mounted to the barrel with the number “62466”.  Scope has a simple crosshair reticle and the glass is clear.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut. The Beavertail forearm is fitted for a sling swivel.  There are minimal nicks or scratches on the stocks and they have likely been refinished or are replacements. The Shotgun-style buttstock has a fluted Monte Carlo comb with a raised cheekpiece, capped pistol grip and steel checkered buttplate. The LOP measures 14 1/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition as refinished or replaced.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and shiny with well defined rifling. There is some stubborn fouling present.  In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.  

Overall Condition: This rifle retains approximately 93% of blue finish on the refinished barrel. There is some thinning on leading edges.  The screwheads show light use. The markings are fading or clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Fine condition as refinished.

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: Scope as described above. 

Our Assessment:  When introduced, the John Browning-designed Winchester Model 1885 quickly gained popularity among hunters and target shooters due to its superior strength over Sharps rifles and versatile sight and trigger options. Specifically targeted at the highly popular sport of match shooting (1871–1917), the rifle competed directly with established brands like Sharps, Remington, Maynard, and Ballard. Praised by Major Ned Roberts as “the most reliable, strongest and altogether best single shot rifle ever produced,” the Model 1885 remains renowned for exceptional accuracy and reliability.

This Winchester 1885 High Wall has been rebarrelled at some point to accept the small .222 Rimmed Cartridge that was developed in Australia (Maybe this was Matthew Quigley’s practice rifle!)  It has a heavy No.2 28” Octagonal barrel that was likely re-blued when it was sleeved. The two piece walnut stocks are in Fine condition as replaced or refinished. The bore rates 9/10. Action functions correctly.  This is a beautiful 1885 High Wall in a very rare cartridge. 

BF