Winchester Model 1885 Low Wall Blue 24 1/2″ Single Shot Falling Block Rifle, MFD 1909 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2,217.00
LSB#:
150708EB27

Make: Winchester

Model: 1885 Low Wall Falling Block

Serial Number: 106128

Year of Manufacture: 1909

Caliber: .22 Short and .22 Long

Action Type: Lever Actuated Falling Block Single Shot Rifle

Markings: The lower tang is marked “106128”. The underside of the barrel just in front of the forend is marked “1”. The top of the barrel is marked “Manufactured By The Winchester Repeating Arms Co. / New Haven. Conn. U.S.A. PATENTED OCT. 7. 79. MAY 28. 07.”, an Oval “WP” and “22 LONG”. The top of the receiver is marked with an Oval “WP”. The top tang is marked “PAT’D. OCT. 7th 75 / WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK”.

Barrel Length: The barrel is 24 ½” round with a .935” band at the muzzle. The muzzle is threaded and a thread protector is fastened in place.

Sights / Optics: . A Lyman peep hole tang sight, adjustable for elevation is screwed into the top tang. A blank is installed in a dovetail at the rear of the barrel and a globe sight with a beaded post insert is dovetailed to the barrel at the muzzle.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are walnut with a straight wrist and Schnabel tipped forend with an ebony insert. A dusting of handling marks can be seen on the forend and butt stock and no cracks or structural issues are apparent. The fit of the wood to the metal is tight. The LOP measures 13 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the carbine style buttplate, which shows finish thinning and wear from use. The buttplate is in about Very Good condition. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: The barrel and receiver are blue. The lever is case colored.

Finish Originality: Factory Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is shallow. There is erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: The rifle retains about 90% of its current metal finish. The finish on the barrel is thick and vivid with some thinning and light freckling near the receiver. A cluster of compression marks is visible on the left side of the barrel at the front sight dovetail. Finish flaking is apparent on the top of the receiver and a spot of thinning is visible on the right side, along with handling marks and spots of shallow oxidation. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action works correctly. The hammer has a half-cock position and the trigger pull is crisp. This is a takedown model. We did not fire this rifle.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle is accompanied by a Letter of authenticity from the Cody Museum.

Our Assessment: This is a Winchester Model 1885 Low Wall Sporting Rifle. It has a plain grip and a Schnabel tipped forend and is chambered in .22 Long. This rifle is in very nice condition for a 116 year old firearm. It is set up for target shooting, with a Lyman tang sight and a globe front sight. The muzzle is threaded and a thread protector is fitted. There has been some discussion on what the threads are for, but no one here has put forth a convincing theory. The bore is a worn, so this rifle is no longer perfect for target competition, but it could be a nice shooter or a fine collector’s piece.

Winchester Model 1885 Low Wall Blue 24 1/2" Single Shot Falling Block Rifle, MFD 1909 C&R
Winchester Model 1885 Low Wall Blue 24 1/2″ Single Shot Falling Block Rifle, MFD 1909 C&R