Winchester Model 1885 High Wall .38 WCF 28” No. 3 Half-Octagon Single Shot
SOLD FOR: $1,438.00
LSB# LSB251102CE002
Make: Winchester
Model: 1885 High Wall
Serial Number: 61836
Year of Manufacture: 1893, Antique
Caliber: .38-40, 38 WCF
Action Type: Lever Actuated Falling Block Single Shot
Barrel Length: 28? No. 3 Half-Octagonal Barrel
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a globe style front sight. The rear sight is a leaf semi buckhorn U notch. There is a graduated peep sight installed on the tang.
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 grip, straight comb, and swiss style buttplate. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are scratches, compression dents and paint scuffs throughout. There are no cracks or chips. The plating on the buttplate has worn mostly off with some original color still showing. Overall, the stocks are in Good condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blued & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright with well defined to sharp rifling. There is scattered pitting. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates about 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 25% of its metal finish. The majority of the finish has worn to a brown patina. There are scratches, handling wear, and corrosion staining throughout. The color case shows some color but has corrosion staining. The screwheads show light use. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Good condition as Antique.
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: The Winchester Model 1885 High Wall stands as one of John Moses Browning’s most refined single shot rifle designs, prized for its strength, clean lines, and remarkable versatility across sporting and target roles. Manufactured in 1893, this antique example reflects the mature production period of the High Wall, when Winchester offered an extensive range of barrel profiles, calibers, and sighting options to suit discerning shooters. The No. 3 half-octagonal 28 inch barrel, combined with classic tang and barrel-mounted sights, gives this rifle a distinctly purposeful appearance rooted in late 19th century American marksmanship culture.
Chambered in .38 WCF, also known as .38-40, the rifle is paired with a cartridge originally developed for Winchester lever actions but equally at home in a strong single shot platform. The caliber’s black powder heritage and moderate ballistics made it popular for both target shooting and light hunting during the period. The sighting arrangement, consisting of a globe front, semi-buckhorn rear, and graduated tang peep, reflects a configuration intended for careful, deliberate shooting, offering flexibility across distances and lighting conditions.
Condition remains consistent with an honest antique rifle that has seen real use over more than a century. Approximately 25 percent of the original finish remains, with the balance worn to an even brown patina accented by traces of surviving blue and muted case color. The bore is semi-bright with well defined to sharp rifling and scattered pitting, rating about 7 out of 10. The walnut stocks show handling marks and wear but remain free of cracks or chips, and the action functions correctly. Overall, this Winchester High Wall presents as a solid, well-preserved antique single shot rifle that retains strong visual character and clear markings from its 19th century origins. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF
