Winchester Model 1885 Low Wall .25 WCF 28″ Single Shot Rifle 1893 Antique

SOLD FOR: $1085

LSB#: 210722TS50

Make: Winchester

Model: 1885 Low Wall

Serial Number: 68312

Year of Manufacture: 1893

Caliber: .25 W.C.F.

Action Type: Lever Actuated Falling Block Single Shot

Markings: The lower tang is marked “PAT. OCT. 79” and “68312”, there are markings of the patent date that are worn and illegible. The top of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE / WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CONN. U.S.A.” and at the receiver with “25 W.C.F.”. The underside of the barrel at the front of the forend is marked “1”.

Barrel Length: 28″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a custom half-round blade with a brass bead and is dovetailed into the top of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” notched elevator sight that is dovetailed into the barrel. The upper tang is drilled, tapped, and filled.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a straight grip, straight comb, crescent metal buttplate, and Schnabel tip. There are cracks on both sides of the wrist at the action and on the top at the rear of the tang. The right side of the wrist has a small gap to the top and bottom tangs. There are some scattered scuffs, dings into the wood, and light scrapes. There is oil staining where the wood and metal meet. The LOP measures 13 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has some scattered erosion, discoloration from previous oxidation, oxidation, finish loss, and polishing marks. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blued, now patina & bright.

Finish Originality: There are no signs that the rifle has been refinished.

Bore Condition: The bore is dark with worn rifling. There is scattered pitting and erosion.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about less than 10% of its metal finish. The finish has been lost or turned to a patina. Much of th metal is bright. There are scattered spots of discoloration from previous oxidation and some that is fresh. There are some scattered little nicks, dings, and scuffs. The front sight is a replacement and there are tool marks into the barrel to either side. There are a few scattered light scabs and spots of light pinprick erosion. The receiver has streaks from abrasive cleaning as does the lever. There are some tool marks on the top of the breech block. The screw heads are tool marked with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about 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: None

Our Assessment: This is a Winchester Model 1885 Low Wall rifle chambered in .25 WCF and made in 1893 with a 28” octagon barrel. When they were first manufactured, the John Browning designed 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 one has good mechanics; you can rebarrel it or it can be fitted with a barrel liner, and after doing so it would make a nice little single shot rifle for small game and varmints. Or if you’re just looking for a piece with great history attached to it to add to your collection, the Model 1885 is the first firearm Winchester would produce using a Browning design, marking the first time John Moses Browning works with a firearms company and starts a relationship that would see some of the best Western firearms produced in history. Please see our photos and good luck!