Ballard Rifle & Cartridge Winchester 1885 Takedown High Wall 375 H&H Magnum
SOLD FOR: $3,140.00
LSB#: LSB250515JB060
Make: Ballard Rifle & Cartridge Co.
Model: 1885 High Wall, Takedown
Serial Number: 1056
Year of Manufacture: 1996-2009
Caliber: .375 Holland & Holland Magnum
Action Type: Single Shot Takedown Rifle with Lever Operated Falling Block Action
Barrel Length: 28″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade in-line dovetailed to a ramped, banded base at the muzzle; the base is grooved for a hood that is not present. The rear sight is an Express-style “U”-notch adjustable for windage and elevation on a base fixed to the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered deluxe walnut with ebony capped forend, capped pistol grip, straight comb, orange rubber Decelerator and a sling mount in the belly (there is another sling mount banded to the barrel in front of the forend. The stocks have only a few light marks, most notable on the right of the buttstock over the belly. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The pad has some light wear and remains supple. Overall, the stocks are in Fine-Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue, Case Color Hammer, Block & Lever
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, just a little stubborn copper fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9+ out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are a few minor marks. The action shows faint operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is light and crisp. 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, designed by none other than John Browning, is one of the most enduring cartridge rifles of the 19th Century. Over the last 140 years, the design has been produced by several different companies on different continents, chambered for just about ever cartridge under the sun, and used to hunt just about any animal on the planet. This example was produced in the late 1990s or early 2000s by Ballard Rifle & Cartridge Co., right here in Cody, Wyoming. Chambered for .375 Holland & Holland magnum, this rifle is suitable for large North American animals such as elk, moose, and bear, but is also a popular choice for an African safari. The rifle is a takedown, so it will be easy to store and transport. It doesn’t hurt that it just happens to be beautiful, too. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
