Custom Winchester 1885 Low Wall .22 LR 25 3/8″ Single Shot Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $1026.51
LSB#: 211201KB14
Make: Winchester
Model: Custom 1885 Low Wall
Serial Number: 81216
Year of Manufacture: 1898
Caliber: .22 LR
Action Type: Lever Actuated Falling Block Single Shot
Markings: The lower tang is marked “PAT. OCT. 7TH 79” and “81216”. The bottom of the receiver is marked “S” at the front.
Barrel Length: 25 3/8″ Aftermarket
Sights / Optics: The top of the barrel is mounted with three male dovetail style bases. There is a single drilled, tapped, and filled hole between the two rear bases.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are custom smooth walnut with an enlarged forend, straight wrist, straight comb, cheekpiece, and brass buttplate. There is a palm rest base attached to the bottom of the forend. There are some scattered light handling marks, no major defects. There is some wood spliced at the heel to attach the buttplate. The LOP measures 13 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has some scattered light wear. The stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition as custom.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There are a few little tiny spots of faint pinprick erosion at the muzzle, it is so light it is nearly invisible.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The stock screw sticks out from the bottom tang. There is an adjustment screw behind the trigger. There are some little streaks on the metal, some are fresh some are under the finish. There are a few light scuffs and handling marks. There are a few areas of faint mottled discoloration on the frame. A portion of the extractor has been cut off. There are some light handling marks and standard operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with serviceable slots. The barrel markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very 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: When they were 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 one has good mechanics and has a great bore, it has provisions for a scope and would be a great target shooting rifle. Or if you’re just looking for a piece with great history attached to it to add to your collection, the Model 1885 is the first firearm Winchester would produce using a Browning design, marking the first time John Moses Browning works with a firearms company and starts a relationship that would see some of the best Western firearms produced in history. Please see our photos and good luck!