Winchester Model 1885 Winder Musket 28″ .22 LR Single Shot Rifle MFD 1917
SOLD FOR: $1,027.00
LSB# LSB251114SP005
Make: Winchester
Model: 1885 Winder Musket
Serial Number: 118152
Year of Manufacture: 1917 C&R
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Lever Actuated Falling Block Single Shot
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “Manufactured by the Winchester Repeating Arms Co, New Haven Conn, USA, Patented October 7, 1879” “22 Long R”. The lower tang is marked with the serial number. The upper tang is marked ” Trade Mark Winchester Reg in US Pat Off “
Barrel Length: 28″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed and set screwed into a base soldered to the barrel. The rear sight is a Krag type ladder mounted to the rear portion of the barrel. The upper tang is also drilled for a peep sight but none is installed.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece smooth walnut, straight grip, straight comb, perch belly forend with finger grooves, and steel buttplate. The LOP is 13 1/8″ There are sling mounts installed. There are scratches, handling marks, and compression dents throughout. There has been some sanding and lacquer applied at some point. There are no cracks. Overall this stock is in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is defined. There is minor erosion throughout. The rifling is worn. There are areas of light pitting. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 45% of its original finish. There are scattered scratches, handling marks, and corrosion staining throughout. Overall this rifle is in Fair to Good 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: None
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1885 Winder Musket was purpose-built as a rimfire training rifle during the early 20th century, intended to replicate the size, balance, and handling of contemporary military service rifles while using economical .22 Long Rifle ammunition. Manufactured in 1917, this example dates squarely to the World War I era, when Winder Muskets were widely issued to military academies, preparatory schools, and organized marksmanship programs. Built on the robust 1885 falling block action, the design emphasized durability, simplicity, and consistency under heavy instructional use.
Chambered in .22 LR, the rifle features a full-length 28 inch barrel that provides a long sight radius well suited to deliberate training fire. The blade front sight and Krag-type ladder rear sight mirror military-style sighting systems of the period, reinforcing the rifle’s instructional role. The tang being drilled for a peep sight further reflects its adaptability to evolving marksmanship practices. Internally, the bore is gray with defined but worn rifling, showing minor erosion and light pitting throughout. The bore rates 6 out of 10, consistent with extended use in a training environment.
Overall condition rates Fair to Good, with approximately 45 percent of the original blued finish remaining and widespread handling marks, scratches, and corrosion staining present across the metal surfaces. The walnut stocks show sanding and a later lacquer application, along with scattered handling wear and compression dents, though they remain free of cracks and structurally sound. Sling mounts remain installed, reinforcing the rifle’s original training configuration. The action functions correctly, and markings remain legible. Taken together, this Winchester Winder Musket presents as an honest, well-used example that clearly reflects its long service life as a dedicated marksmanship training rifle. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF
