Winchester Model 1885 High Wall 38-55 30″ No 4 Octagonal Set Trigger
SOLD FOR: $1,525.00
LSB# LSB251102CE003
Make: Winchester
Model: 1885 High Wall
Serial Number: 76743
Year of Manufacture: 1896
Caliber: .38-55
Action Type: Lever Actuated Falling Block Single Shot
Barrel Length: 30″ No. 4 Heavy Octagonal Barrel
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is a semi buckhorn leaf with elevator. The upper tang has been drilled and tapped for a peep sight, none installed. The sights on this rifle have been changed since it left the factory.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut. The forend has a Schnabel tip with a triangular ebony inlay. The buttstock has a straight grip, straight comb, and steel crescent buttplate. The LOP measures 13 ½” from the front of the set trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks have been sanded and refinished. There are scratches, compression dents and other associated handling wear. There is a crack at the upper tang. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Blued & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling distinct. There is heavy erosion especially near the last couple inches towards the muzzle. There is heavy pitting throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion this bore is a 1/10 and should not be shot.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 10% of its metal finish. The majority of the finish has worn to a brown patina. The color case is largely gone to brown patina. There are scattered corrosion stains, scratches and handling marks. The buttplate has been lacquered over. The screwheads show light use. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Fair condition as Antique mostly due to the unserviceable bore.
Mechanics: The action works correctly. The set trigger 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 with this rifle configuration. detailed with 30 inch Octagon #4 weight barrel, midrange & wind sights along with its manufacture date.
Our Assessment: This Winchester Model 1885 High Wall is a substantial late nineteenth century single shot rifle, manufactured in 1896 during the mature production period of John M. Browning’s strongest falling block action. By this point, the High Wall had become a favored platform for both sporting and target rifles, valued for its rigidity, balance, and ability to handle heavier barrels and precision triggers. This example is configured with a massive 30 inch No. 4 heavy octagonal barrel and factory set trigger, reflecting a rifle built with deliberate, accuracy focused use in mind rather than light field carry.
Chambered in .38-55, the rifle is tied to one of the most respected American black powder era target and sporting cartridges. Introduced in the 1880s, the .38-55 earned a reputation for accuracy and mild recoil, making it especially popular in single shot rifles and early target competition. The rifle retains a traditional sighting arrangement with a beaded blade front and semi buckhorn rear with elevator, while the upper tang is drilled and tapped for a peep sight, a common and practical period modification even though none is currently installed. The smooth walnut stocks feature a Schnabel forend with triangular ebony inlay and a straight grip buttstock capped by a steel crescent buttplate, preserving the classic High Wall profile.
Condition reflects significant age and use. Only about 10 percent of the metal finish remains, with most surfaces now worn to a brown patina and the original case coloring largely faded. The bore is dark with distinct rifling but exhibits heavy pitting and erosion, particularly toward the muzzle, and rates 1 out of 10, rendering it unserviceable for shooting. The stocks have been sanded and refinished, showing scratches, compression marks, and a crack at the upper tang, though they remain structurally intact for display. The action and set trigger function correctly, markings remain clear, and a Cody Firearms Museum letter accompanies the rifle, confirming its original configuration and 1896 manufacture. This High Wall from Winchester stands as a visually impressive and well documented antique example best appreciated for its historical presence and substantial factory configuration. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF
