Beautiful ANTIQUE Winchester Model 1885 Low Wall .32-20 WCF 28″, MFD 1889
SOLD FOR: $2,450.00
LSB#: LSB250613SH005
Make: Winchester
Model: 1885 Low Wall
Serial Number: 33115
Year of Manufacture: 1889
Caliber: .32-20 WCF
Action Type: Falling Block Single Shot with Single Set Trigger
Barrel Length: 28″, #2 Weight, Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a German silver blade in a slotted base dovetailed and screw-set to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch semi-buckhorn elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel; the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut. The schnabel tip forend has a triangular ebony inlay. The buttstock has a straight wrist, straight comb, casehardened steel crescent buttplate and “GIOVANNINI” stamped in the belly behind the tang. The stocks have scattered compressions, dings, scratches and scrapes. There are short cracks at the rear of the top tang and the right corner of the buttplate’s tang. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate, 13 3/8″ when the trigger is set. The plate has mostly worn to white with scattered minor oxidation. The stocks rate in about Very Good-Fine overall condition as ANTIQUE.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is sharp. There is some scattered light erosion and minor pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 7 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 75% of its metal finish. There are some scattered spots of oxidation, scabbing and erosion on the barrel. The barrel has some streaks and scratches from abrasive cleaning. There are some nicks, dings, and scratches. There is some scattered light oxidation on the frame and areas of thinning, but the case color is generally strong and vibrant. There is finish loss and some scabbing on the lever and tang. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, the serial marking is shallow, appropriate for this era. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition as ANTIQUE.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: When the 1885 was first manufactured, the John Browning designed Model 1885 rifles were deemed stronger than the prior Sharps rifles, and the different sight and trigger options available made them an instant hit with hunters and target shooters alike. The Model 1885 rifles were targeted at competitors in “Match Shooting”, a sport which was extremely popular from about 1871 to 1917. The Winchester rifles challenged the Sharps, Remington, Maynard and Ballard rifles, and quickly became known for their reliability and accuracy. Major Ned Roberts, inventor of the .257 Roberts cartridge, described the Model 1885 as “the most reliable, strongest and altogether best single shot rifle ever produced.”.
This particular rifle, manufactured in 1889, is chambered in .32-20 Winchester Center Fire—a cartridge that bridged the gap between rifle and revolver use, offering low recoil, flat trajectory for its time, and ample performance for small to medium game. It features a 28” #2 weight octagonal barrel, a set-trigger mechanism for fine shooting, and retains its original blue and case-hardened finishes. The case colors on the receiver remain vibrant, and the rifle still wears its period-correct sights, with the tang drilled and tapped for an optional tang sight. The walnut stocks display normal wear for a 135-year-old rifle, with a few cracks near the tang and buttplate, but remain solid and well-fitted.
Mechanically sound with a sharp-bored Low Wall action, this example is a fine representation of a desirable antique Winchester. Its originality, strong case colors, and set-trigger configuration add to its appeal for both collectors and black powder cartridge shooters. In .32-20 WCF, it offers both historical significance and the potential for enjoyable range sessions with appropriate ammunition, making it a standout piece for a Winchester or antique single-shot collection. Please check out our high quality photos, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
