Winchester Model 1885 High Wall .38-40 28” No. 3 Octagonal MFD 1892 Antique
SOLD FOR: $2,225.00
LSB#: LSB250623CH001
Make: Winchester
Model: 1885 High Wall
Serial Number: 56774
Year of Manufacture: Serial Number Applied: 07-08-1892. Date in: 10-15-92, Date Shipped: Unavailable
Caliber: .38-40 W.C.F.
Action Type: Lever Actuated Falling Block Single Shot
Barrel Length: 28” No. 3 Octagonal Barrel
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a globe sight dovetailed to the barrel. The rear dovetail is filled with a blank. The tang is drilled, tapped, and mounted with a tang sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut. The forend has a Schnabel tip with a triangular ebony inlay. The buttstock has a straight pistol grip, straight comb, and steel crescent buttplate. There are some scattered minor compressions, dings, nicks, and scratches. The LOP measures 13 1/4? from the front of the set trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered corrosion and has been refinished. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition as refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Blued & Case Color
Finish Originality: The barrel and buttplate have been treated with cold blue.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with well defined to sharp rifling where not interrupted by erosion. There is some light erosion throughout the bore in the grooves and lands. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates about 7 out of 10 for antique.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 40% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows intermittent oxidation and gradual thinning throughout the barrel. The receiver has mostly worn to white with oxidation. There are some scattered nicks, dings, scuffs, and scratches. There are handling marks. The screwheads show light use. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good condition as refinished Antique.
Mechanics: The action works 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: This rifle comes with a factory letter.
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 example, shipped in 1892, is a desirable antique with a 28” No. 3 octagonal barrel, globe front sight, and tang-mounted rear sight, indicating it was intended for accurate target or hunting use. The bore shows light erosion but remains bright with strong rifling, rating about 7/10, while the action functions properly. The wood has been refinished but remains attractive with its Schnabel-tipped forend and ebony inlay, and the rifle comes with a factory letter verifying its history. While the metal shows wear, thinning, and cold-blue touchups, this 1885 remains a fine representative of Winchester’s early single-shot rifles. For collectors and shooters alike, it offers both historical significance and the enduring appeal of one of Browning’s greatest designs. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
