Winchester High Wall Model 1885 .40-82 WCF Single Shot Rifle – Antique

SOLD FOR: 2,615.00
Make: Winchester
Model: Model 1885, the High Wall
Serial Number: 51860
Year of Manufacture: 1890 – 1891
Caliber: .40 – 82 Winchester Center Fire
Action Type: Lever Actuated Falling Block Single Shot
Markings: The barrel’s top flat is marked “-MANUFACTURED BY THE- / -WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A.-“ ahead of the rear sight and “40 – 82 W.C.F.” behind the rear sight. The bottom barrel flat is marked “40-82”, “Y” and “3” under the forearm. There is a “P” on the right side of the front face of the frame, where the forearm rests. The lower tang is marked “PAT. OCT. 7th 79” and “51860”.
Barrel Length: There is a 30” Tapered Octagon Barrel that measures 1.06“across the flats at the frame and .88” across the flats at the muzzle.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a dovetail set beaded blade that is missing the bead and the rear sight is semi-buckhorn with elevator. There is a tang mounted sight with screw-in aperture marked “MARBLE GLADSTONE, MICH.” on the left side of the base and “PAT. OCT. 20 -03, NOV. 14 -05” on the right side of the base.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece stocks are smooth walnut. The butt stock has a steel crescent butt plate and both the butt stock and forearm have age appropriate light dings, dents and scratches. The forearm has what appears to be an ebony inset at its mild Schnabel tip. The LOP measures 13 ¼” from the front of the trigger to the back of the butt plate. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition for an antique firearm.
Type of Finish: Blue Barrel and Case Hardened Frame
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is almost bright and the rifling is clearly present throughout. There is some chamber erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows thinning to loss on all the sharp edges. The frame has small spots surface erosion and some very faint mottling of the case colors is still left. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition for an antique rifle.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This is a Winchester Model 1885 that was manufactured around 1890 – 1891, another of John Browning’s designs. It seems all original, the wood does not seem to have been sanded or refinished, and the metal work doesn’t show any signs of having been buffed or polished out. It is just an honest old single shot that has been well cared for and stored well. Brass can be formed from 45-90 cases if you have a hankering to try your hand at some long range shooting. Otherwise, we hope you care for this as well as it has been has been for the last 120 years.