Winchester Model 1885 High Wall .45-70 26” Oct BBL Single Shot 1898 Antique

SOLD FOR: $2,750.00

LSB#:  LSB250718LT123

Make: Winchester

Model: 1885 High Wall

Serial Number: 84271

Year of Manufacture: 1898, Antique

Caliber: .45-70 Govt.

Markings: The top of the barrel near the chamber is marked “45-70″.  There is no barrel address present.  The bottom tang is marked with the serial number “84271” and “PAT. OCT. 7th 79”. The bottom of the barrel underneath the forearm is marked ”84271 / 1-28-71 / A.L. KNIGHT, FORT WORTH, TEXAS / LOU WILLIAMSON”.  

Action Type: Lever Actuated Falling Block Single Shot, Double set trigger

Barrel Length:  26”,  No.3 or 4 Heavy Octagonal Barrel (replacement)

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a  Lyman 17A Globe Sight. The rear sight is a Mid-range Vernier folding peep sight screwed to the top tang.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut. The forend has a Schnabel tip with a triangular ebony inlay. There are minor cracks on the tip of the forearm that have been expertly repaired.  The Shotgun-style buttstock has a straight comb, Semi-pistol grip and steel checkered buttplate. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The forearm has an exceptional grain pattern.  The buttplate has taken to a patina with some muted case coloring visible. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition as refinished or replaced.

Type of Finish: Blued & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original, as refinished in 1971

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and shiny with well defined rifling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.  

Overall Condition: This rifle retains approximately 98% of blue finish on the replacement barrel. There is significant case coloring remaining on the receiver, lever, Top and bottom tangs and the falling block. Colors are more vivid in protected areas. There are minimal handling marks. The screwheads show light use. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Excellent condition as refinished.

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:  When introduced, the John Browning-designed Winchester Model 1885 quickly gained popularity among hunters and target shooters due to its superior strength over Sharps rifles and versatile sight and trigger options. Specifically targeted at the highly popular sport of match shooting (1871–1917), the rifle competed directly with established brands like Sharps, Remington, Maynard, and Ballard. Praised by Major Ned Roberts as “the most reliable, strongest and altogether best single shot rifle ever produced.” The Model 1885 remains renowned for exceptional accuracy and reliability.

This Winchester 1885 High Wall, Serial Number 84271, was made in 1898.  It is chambered in .45-70 Govt. with a heavy No.3 or No. 4 26” Octagonal barrel. The markings on the underside of the barrel indicate that it was replaced in 1971 by  A.L. Knight of Ft. Worth , TX when most of the other refinishing work was likely completed. The two piece walnut stocks are in Fine condition as replaced or refinished. The Case Colored finish is approximately 70% retained. The bore rates 9.5/10. Action functions correctly.  This is a beautiful 1885 High Wall that was expertly refinished over 50 years ago.  

BF