Winchester 1885 High Wall 30” 45/90 Falling Block Single Shot Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $5,932.00
LSB#: LSB251006CF004
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1885 High Wall Falling Block Rifle
Serial Number: 56995
Year of Manufacture: 1892 (Per letter from Cody Firearms Museum)
Caliber: 45/90
Action Type: Lever Operated Falling Block Action Single Shot
Markings: The bottom of the tang has the 1879 patent date and serial number
Barrel Length: 30”
Weight: 8 lbs 13 oz.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is a buckhorn with elevator dovetailed into the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece walnut set with a schnabel forend, straight grip, with a steel crescent buttplate. There are scratches and pressure dents throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP is just under 13 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall the stock set is in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Color Case
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is distinct. There is some erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 65% of its metal finish. There are scratches, dings, and spots of bluing loss. There are scattered spots of corrosion staining throughout. The color case still has some of its color but is lightly muted. The action has moderate wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety position and the single trigger breaks crisply. 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: Cody Firearms Museum verification letter.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1885 High Wall is one of John Moses Browning’s most celebrated single-shot rifle designs, revered for its strength, simplicity, and inherent accuracy. Introduced in the mid-1880s, the High Wall configuration provided additional receiver height and rigidity, making it especially well suited for powerful black powder cartridges. This example, manufactured in 1892 and confirmed by a Cody Firearms Museum letter, represents the rifle during its peak production era, when Winchester single shots were favored by serious hunters, marksmen, and professionals who valued precision over volume of fire.
Chambered in .45-90 Winchester, this rifle reflects a cartridge developed for long-range power and penetration, particularly for large game and extended-distance shooting. The .45-90 offered increased velocity and flatter trajectory compared to the .45-70 while retaining the heavy bullet performance prized during the black powder era. The long 30-inch barrel complements the cartridge’s ballistic intent, providing steady balance and maximizing performance, while the simple buckhorn rear sight and blade front sight are consistent with a practical sporting configuration of the period.
This example retains approximately 65 percent of its original metal finish, with honest wear evident in the form of scratches, small dings, thinning bluing, and scattered corrosion staining consistent with age and use. The bore is gray with distinct rifling and some erosion present, rating 7 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion for an antique rifle of this type. The walnut stock set shows pressure dents and handling marks but remains structurally sound with no cracks or chips, presenting in Good condition. Color case remains visible though muted, markings are clear, and screw heads are sharp. Mechanically, the action functions correctly with a crisp trigger and half-cock safety intact. Overall, this Winchester 1885 High Wall stands as an honest and historically significant example of one of America’s finest single-shot rifles from the black powder era. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! MF
