Winchester Model 1885 High Wall .50 EX 29.5″ No 4 Set Trigger Rifle Antique

SOLD FOR: $5580

LSB#: 230905JR014

Make: Winchester

Model: 1885 High Wall

Serial Number: 72404

Year of Manufacture: 1895

Caliber: .50 Express

Action Type: Lever Actuated Falling Block Single Shot

Barrel Length: 29 1/2″ Octagonal No. 4 Heavy Barrel

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade that is dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is a “U” notch elevator sight dovetailed into the barrel. The top tang has a drilled, tapped, and filled hole.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut. The forend has a Schnabel tip with ebony insert. The buttstock has a straight grip, a straight comb, cheekpiece, and a checkered metal shotgun buttplate. There is a sling stud mounted in the belly. There are some scattered draglines and little marks through the finish. There are some compressions and a few scratches. There are some areas of discoloration. There are a few scuffs and areas of light finish wear. There are light handling marks. The LOP measures 13 3/4? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some finish loss, thinning, nicks, scuffs, and a few areas of erosion. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blued & Case Colored

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. In my opinion, this bore rates 10 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. The left side of the barrel is marked “LH SAUER”. There is thinning on the receiver. There are some areas of discoloration from previous oxidation. There are some scattered little scuffs that have thinned the finish. There is finish wear on the edges. There are some nicks, dings, and scratches. There are some scattered operational marks and handling marks. The markings are clear. The screwheads show light wear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly including the double set triggers. 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: Included is a Cody Firearms Museum letter.

Our Assessment: When they were first manufactured, the John Browning designed Winchester Model 1885 rifles were deemed stronger than the prior Sharps rifles, and the different sight and trigger options available made them an instant hit with hunters and target shooters alike. The Model 1885 rifles were targeted at competitors in “Match Shooting”, a sport which was extremely popular from about 1871 to 1917. The Winchester rifles challenged the Sharps, Remington, Maynard and Ballard rifles, and quickly became known for their reliability and accuracy. Major Ned Roberts, inventor of the .257 Roberts cartridge, described the Model 1885 as “the most reliable, strongest and altogether best single shot rifle ever produced”. This example is a .50 Express with a 29 1/2″ No. 4 heavy octagonal barrel, double set trigger, and smooth walnut stocks with a cheekpiece and shotgun buttplate. This one was built in 1895 and letters as having a set trigger, there is no more information provided in the included Cody letter. This one retains an impressive amount of finish and will be a nice addition to your collection, especially if lacking an 1885! Please see our photos and good luck!