Custom Winchester Model 1885 38-55 WCF Single Shot Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,026.61
LSB#: LSB260507FM005
Make: Winchester
Model: 1885
Serial Number: 41263
Year of Manufacture: 1890 Antique
Caliber: .38-55 WCF
Action Type: Single shot, falling block, center fire rifle
Barrel Length: 30″ custom half octagon with flat top.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is a spring leaf V notch with elevator dovetailed into the barrel. There is a folding peep sight installed on the tang.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is two piece smooth walnut, ebony forend insert, schnabel tip, straight grip, straight comb, and crescent metal buttplate. The LOP is 13 1/2″ from trigger to buttplate. The stock has been refinished. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There is some light cracking at the upper part of the wrist. The upper corners of the wrist are chipped away. Overall this stock is in Fair to Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued, color case
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. There is some light lead fouling. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its current metal finish. There are light scratches and handling marks throughout. The color case has been refinished as well. There is some light corrosion freckling. The screw heads are lightly tooled but serviceable. The markings range from faint to no longer legible. Overall this rifle is in Fair to Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly but it should be noted that the knock off spring and screw are missing. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1885 is one of John M. Browning’s most important early designs, built around a strong and accurate falling-block action well suited to both sporting and target use. This 1890 antique example is chambered in .38-55 W.C.F. and has been customized with a 30″ half-octagon barrel with a flat top, refinished walnut stocks, a Schnabel forend with ebony insert, and a folding tang peep sight. Its altered configuration blends classic High Wall architecture with later custom sporting features.
Introduced in the 1880s, the Winchester Model 1885 was based on Browning’s original single-shot rifle design and became known for exceptional strength, simplicity, and accuracy. It was offered in a wide range of chamberings and configurations for hunters, target shooters, and serious riflemen. The .38-55 W.C.F. was one of the era’s most respected sporting cartridges and later served as the parent case for several important smokeless-powder rounds, giving this custom rifle both historical and ballistic interest.
This rifle retains about 90% of its current refinished metal finish, with light scratches, handling wear, and minor corrosion freckling. The refinished walnut stocks rate in Fair to Good condition due to wrist cracking and chipped upper corners, while the bright bore has sharp rifling and rates 9/10 with only light lead fouling. The action functions correctly, though the missing knock-off spring and screw should be replaced. Overall, this is a Fair to Good custom Winchester Model 1885 with an excellent bore and strong appeal as a shooter-grade antique single shot. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! MF