Winchester Model 1885 High Wall .22 LR 28” Single Shot Rifle, MFD 1887

SOLD FOR: $1,033.00

LSB#:  LSB250824ES005

Make: Winchester

Model: 1885 High Wall

Serial Number: 10555

Year of Manufacture: 1887 / Antique

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Markings: The left side of the barrel near the chamber is marked “.22 LONG R.”  The barrel address is stamped “MADE IN U.S.A. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / —–NEW HAVEN, COMM —–” The bottom tang is marked “PAT. OCT. 7th 79” with the serial number 10555”.  There is a faint Winchester “WP” proof mark on the top of the barrel near the chamber.

Action Type: Lever Actuated Falling Block Single Shot

Barrel Length: 28” Inch Round barrel

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade covered with a globe housing.  The rear sight is a flip up Lyman #1 adjustable tang sight with a large aperture disc.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a replacement two-piece set in smooth walnut with a Beavertail forearm and semi pistol grip. The Shotgun-style buttstock has a fluted Straight comb with a raised cheekpiece.  There are minimal nicks or scratches on the stocks and they have likely been replaced at the time the rifle was refinished. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition as refinished or replaced.

Type of Finish: Blued, case hardened lever and hammer.

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with moderately defined rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.  In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.  

Overall Condition: This rifle retains approximately 95% of blue finish on the barrel and receiver.  The case coloring on the lever has faded to a mottled gray. There is some previously buffed pitting on the sideplates. There is some thinning on leading edges.  The screwheads show light use. The markings are fading or clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good to Fine condition as refinished.

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 introduced, the John Browning-designed Winchester Model 1885 quickly gained popularity among hunters and target shooters due to its superior strength over Sharps rifles and versatile sight and trigger options. Specifically targeted at the highly popular sport of match shooting (1871–1917), the rifle competed directly with established brands like Sharps, Remington, Maynard, and Ballard. Praised by Major Ned Roberts as “the most reliable, strongest and altogether best single shot rifle ever produced,” the Model 1885 remains renowned for exceptional accuracy and reliability.

This Winchester 1885 High Wall has been refinished at some point. It has a 28” Round  barrel that was likely re-blued when the stocks were replaced. The two piece walnut stocks are in Fine condition as replaced. The bore rates 9/10. Action functions correctly.  This is a beautiful 1885 High Wall that would make a good antique shooter or hold a valuable spot in your collection.  Please see our detailed photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!!!  

BF