Winchester Model 1885 High Wall .45-70 28” Octagonal Single Shot Rifle

SOLD FOR: $1,280.00

LSB#: LSB260124JG003

Make: Winchester made by Miroku.

Model: 1885 High Wall

Serial Number: 00132ZT85E

Year of Manufacture: 2016

Caliber: .45-70

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “Winchester Model 1885, Caliber 45-70 Govt. Only”. The right side of the barrel is marked “Made by Miroku, Japan, Imported by BACO, Inc, Morgan, Utah, Winchester is a registered trademark of Olin Corporation”. The upper tang is marked “Winchester”. The serial number is marked on the right side of the receiver. 

Action Type: Lever Actuated Falling Block Single Shot

Barrel Length: 28″ Octagon

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed into 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. It appears that this rifle has had a sight that was removed. The plug screw is missing and the tang screw is long. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut. The forend has a light Schnabel tip. The buttstock has a straight comb, straight grip, and crescent steel buttplate. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are light handling marks and scratches. There are a few light compression dents. There are a few spots of flattened checkering. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this stock is in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued 

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. There is minor fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.  

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its original condition. There are light scratches and handling marks. There are a few light corrosion spots, most notably on the lever. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Very Good condition.

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: Leather butt cuff

Our Assessment:  The Winchester Model 1885 High Wall, originally designed by John Browning, has been faithfully reintroduced in modern production by Miroku of Japan, maintaining the strength and elegance of the original falling block design while benefiting from contemporary manufacturing standards. This 2016 example continues that legacy, chambered in .45-70 Government, a cartridge introduced in 1873 for U.S. military service and still widely respected for its power and versatility. The pairing of the High Wall action with the .45-70 remains historically appropriate, reflecting the strength of the design and its long-standing association with full-power rifle cartridges.

This rifle features a 28″ octagonal barrel and retains approximately 97% of its original blued finish, with only light handling marks, a few minor scratches, and small areas of light corrosion visible. The checkered walnut stock is in Very Good condition, showing a few light compression dents and some flattening of the checkering, but no cracks or structural concerns. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and only minor fouling, rating 9 out of 10. The rifle is equipped with traditional open sights and has provisions for a tang-mounted peep sight, though the plug screw is missing and a longer tang screw is currently installed, indicating a previously mounted sight.

Mechanically, the rifle functions correctly, demonstrating the solid lockup and smooth operation expected from the High Wall design. This modern production example offers the visual appeal and handling characteristics of a classic single shot rifle while providing the reliability of current manufacture. The combination of strong overall condition, desirable chambering, and traditional configuration makes this a well-executed representation of the historic 1885 pattern. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF