Winchester Model 1885 High Wall, .40-82 WCF 30″ Rifle, #3 BBL, MFD 1891

SOLD FOR: $1980

LSB: 210611TP53

Make: Winchester

Model: Model 1885, the High Wall

Serial Number: 51972

Year of Manufacture: 1891

Caliber: .40 – 82 Winchester Center Fire

Action Type: Lever Actuated Falling Block Single Shot

Markings: The barrel’s top flat is marked “-MANUFACTURED BY THE- / -WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A.-“ ahead of the rear sight and “40 – 82 W.C.F.” behind the rear sight. The bottom barrel flat is marked “3”. The lower tang is marked “PAT. OCT. 7th 79” and “51860”.

Barrel Length: 30”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is missing and the rear barrel dovetail is filled with a blank. There is a flip up peep sight mounted to the upper tang with a 2” disc installed.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece stocks are smooth walnut. The butt stock has a steel crescent butt plate and both the butt stock and forearm have age appropriate light dings, dents and scratches. The forearm has what appears to be an ebony inset at its Schnabel tip. There is a filled hole at the belly behind the lower tang. The LOP measures 13 ¼” from the front of the trigger to the back of the butt plate. The stocks rate in about Good overall condition for an antique firearm.

Type of Finish: Blue Barrel and Case Hardened Frame

Finish Originality: All Original

Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is worn. There is moderate erosion the length of the bore.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 20% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows thinning and silvering of the case colors. The barrel’s finish has begun to turn a light patina, with handling wear and thinning at the front of the forearm. There are losses and dings at many edges, but evidence of finish does remain in more than just protected areas. The frame has small spots surface. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition for an antique rifle.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: This is a Winchester Model 1885 that was manufactured around 1891, another of John Browning’s designs; actually his first sold to Winchester. The rifle became very successful as a fast shooting and fast reloading single shot rifle that could handle large calibers and therefore large game.

This rifle is all original but for some wood filler and sights. This is just an honest old single shot that has been well cared for and stored well. Brass can be formed from 45-90 cases if you have a hankering to try your hand at some long range shooting. Otherwise, we hope you care for this as well as it has been for the last 120 years.