Winchester Model 1885 High Wall 38-55 30″ No 3 Octagonal Antique 1890
SOLD FOR: $2,825.00
LSB# LSB260120GM011
Make: Winchester
Model: 1885 High Wall
Serial Number: 44169
Year of Manufacture: 1890 Antique
Caliber: .38-55
Action Type: Lever Actuated Falling Block Single Shot
Barrel Length: 30″ #3 Octagon.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a spring leaf U notch with elevator dovetailed into the barrel. The upper tang is drilled and tapped for a peep sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece smooth walnut, ebony tipped schnabel forend, straight grip, straight comb, with crescent steel buttplate. The LOP is 13 ¼” from trigger to buttplate. There are light scratches and handling marks scattered throughout. There are a few light hairline cracks at the wrist. Overall this stock is in Good to Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original but some areas have been cold blued.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some light erosion and pitting scattered throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 8/10 for a black powder antique.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its original finish. There are scratches and handling marks throughout. The receiver, lever, trigger, and possibly lower tang have had some cold blue refinish work done. The lever has some pitting that has been blued over. The color shows in protected areas and internal parts. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are mostly clear. Overall this rifle is in Good to Very Good condition.
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: There is a records check from Cody Firearms Experience listing the specifications and dates that this firearm left the factory in. See for further information.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1885 High Wall is one of John Browning’s most respected single shot rifle designs, introduced in 1885 and quickly adopted for both sporting and target applications. The High Wall variant, with its reinforced receiver profile, was specifically engineered to handle higher pressure cartridges of the era, making it a natural fit for the .38-55. Introduced in the late 19th century as a black powder target and hunting cartridge, the .38-55 earned a reputation for accuracy and mild recoil, becoming a favorite among marksmen and outdoorsmen alike. By 1890, rifles like this represented the height of precision single shot design in the American market.
This example features a desirable 30″ No. 3 weight octagonal barrel paired with classic period appointments including an ebony-tipped schnabel forend and crescent steel buttplate. The rifle retains approximately 90% of its finish, with areas of original blue and case color still present, though portions of the receiver, lever, and lower tang show evidence of cold blue application over earlier wear, including some pitting beneath the finish on the lever. The walnut stocks are in Good to Very Good condition, showing light handling marks and a few fine hairline cracks at the wrist, consistent with age. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and only light scattered pitting and erosion, rating 8 out of 10 for a black powder antique.
Mechanically, the rifle functions correctly, maintaining the solid lockup and smooth operation characteristic of the 1885 action. The included Cody Firearms Museum records letter adds useful factory documentation, confirming specifications and shipment details for this rifle. Overall, this High Wall presents as a well-preserved and attractive example of a late 19th century Winchester single shot, offering strong visual appeal and historical significance within the American target and sporting rifle tradition. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF