Winchester Model 71 Like 1886 Post-War .348 WCF Lever Action Rifle 1952 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,400.00
LSB# LSB251108WM064
Make: Winchester
Model: 1885 Low-Wall
Serial Number: 66112
Year of Manufacture: 1893
Caliber: .22 Long
Action Type: Lever Actuated Falling Block Single Shot
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE / WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A.”, and at the rear with “22 LONG”. The left shoulder of the barrel at the rear has an oval “WP” proof. The bottom tang is marked “-PAT.OCT. 7TH 79.-” and “66112”.
Barrel Length: 26 3/4″ Half Octagon, cut from the original 28″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch semi-buckhorn elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped for a tang sight. There is an unmarked peep sight installed.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut. The forend has a schnabel tip with a triangular ebony inlay. The buttstock has a straight wrist, straight comb and steel crescent buttplate. The LOP measures 13 1/4? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock has been refinished. The checkering is not factory. There are a few spots where the wood was sanded to leave metal proud, most notably at the buttplate. There are scattered handling marks, scratches and compression dents. The plate has minor wear with infrequent minor oxidation and erosion. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Colored.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is distinct. There is light erosion throughout. The rifling is worn. There are a few very minor pits in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: The barrel has light bluing loss on the leading edges. There are scattered handling marks, scratches and light corrosion staining throughout. The color case on the receiver shows wear near the front but still has good color. Overall this rifle is in Very Good condition for an antique.
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: Cody Firearms Museum Records Search.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1885 Low Wall stands as one of John M. Browning’s most elegant and mechanically refined single-shot rifle designs, produced during a period when accuracy, balance, and craftsmanship defined American sporting arms. Introduced in the mid-1880s, the Low Wall variant was specifically intended for small-caliber cartridges such as the .22 Long, making it a favored choice for target shooting, small game, and informal competition. Manufactured in 1893, this example reflects Winchester’s golden-era production under the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, when fit, finish, and materials were held to exceptionally high standards.
This rifle features a half-octagon barrel now measuring 26 3/4 inches, shortened from its original 28-inch length, and is fitted with period-correct iron sights including a semi-buckhorn rear with elevator and a blade front. The drilled and tapped tang carries an unmarked peep sight, enhancing its practical shootability while remaining visually consistent with the era. The walnut stocks have been refinished and exhibit non-factory checkering, along with a schnabel forend accented by a triangular ebony inlay. While refinishing work has left minor areas where wood sits slightly below the metal, the overall presentation remains attractive and well-balanced, preserving the classic Low Wall profile.
Condition remains strong for an antique single shot of this age. The bore is bright with distinct rifling, showing light erosion and minor pitting in the grooves, and rates 8/10. The barrel retains much of its original blue with light edge wear, while the receiver’s case colors show honest thinning near the front but remain visible and appealing. Handling marks and light corrosion staining are present throughout, consistent with careful long-term use. The action functions correctly, and the rifle is accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum Records Search, adding valuable historical documentation. Overall, this is a well-preserved Winchester Low Wall that blends antique originality with period modifications, offering a refined example of Browning’s iconic single-shot design from the late 19th century. Please see our high resolution photos and good luck on your bid! MF
