Winchester Model 1885 High Wall 32-40 38″ 1/2 Octagonal Set Trigger Antique

SOLD FOR: $4903

LSB#: 230914JB013

Make: Winchester

Model: 1885 High Wall

Serial Number: 29645

Year of Manufacture: Serial number applied 1988, shipped 1889.

Caliber: .32-40

Action Type: Lever Actuated Falling Block Single Shot

Barrel Length: 28″ No. 3 Heavy Half Octagonal Barrel

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a globe sight with a post insert, it is dovetailed into the barrel. The rear of the barrel is installed with a dovetail blank. The top tang is installed with a folding Gladstone aperture peep sight. The front sight insert appears to be glued in the globe base. The adjustment screw is loose and missing the nut on the left side.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut. The forend has a Schnabel tip with a triangular ebony inlay. The buttstock has a pistol grip with ebony inlay, straight comb, and schuetzen buttplate. The inlay on the bottom of the pistol grip is worn and has shrunk. There are some scattered minor compressions, dings, nicks, and scratches. The checkering is strong. There is some oil staining. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has areas of finish loss where the brass is showing through the finish. There are some scattered scuffs, scratches, and some little bubbles in the finish. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blued & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is light gray and the rifling is sharp where not interrupted by erosion. There are areas of light pitting and surface erosion. In my opinion, this bore rates 6 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 30% of its metal finish. The receiver has lost its finish and is bright. There are streaks in the metal from abrasive cleaning and there are some scattered areas of light erosion on the receiver. There is mottled discoloration from previous oxidation. The barrel has mottled finish loss, thinning, and areas that appear touched up. There are some scattered areas of erosion on the barrel. There are some scattered spots of frost. There are some scattered nicks, dings, scuffs, and scratches. There are some scattered spots of frost. There are handling marks. The screwheads show use. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action works correctly. The set trigger 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: Included is a Cody Firearms Museum letter, and two RCBS dies with a shellplate.

Our Assessment: When they were first manufactured, the John Browning designed Winchester 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 1888 example is a cool one, it has a 28″ Heavy No. 3 half-octagonal barrel, factory single set trigger, and checkered stocks. These features all letter in the Cody record. The wood and bore are impressive looking for the age, and this cool configuration will be a great addition to a collection. Please see our photos and good luck!

Some are hot, some are not, but thankfully most can be shot!
-Red