Make: Winchester

Model: 1885 High Wall Deluxe

Serial Number: 81236

Year of Manufacture: 1898

Caliber: .32-40 Winchester Center Fire (WCF), AKA .32-40 Ballard

Action Type: Falling-Block Single-Shot Rifle with Double Set Triggers

Barrel Length: 30” Octagonal, No. 3

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Lyman wind gauge aperture peep sight with a circular aperture insert and is dovetailed into the barrel.The rear sight is a folding aperture peep sight screwed to the top tang.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a capped pistol grip, straight comb, Dutch cheekpiece, folding palm rest, and Helm buttplate. There are light handling marks present. There are some areas of thinning. There are some scattered nicks, dings, and compressions. There are a few scratches. The checkering is strong. There areno chips or cracks present. The LOP measures 12 ¾” and 11 ¾” from the front of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has finish loss, patina, and oxidation. The wood to metal fit istight. The stock rates in about Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates an 8 out of 10. 

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear.There are some scattered spots of light oxidation and discoloration from previous oxidation. There is finish wear on the edges. There are some scattered little nicks, scratches, and dings. The case color has muted with age. The screw heads are lightly used. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition. 

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included with the rifle is a Cody Firearms Museum Winchester factory records letterindicating serial number applied February 17, 1898, assembled as a Rifle, caliber 32/40, 30" Octagonal No. 3 weight barrel, double set triggers, checkered stock with pistol grip, palm rest, Dutch cheekpiece, Helm buttplate, and equipped with Mid-range Vernier and Wind gauge sights, received in warehouse February 10, 1899, shipped from warehouse on February 11, 1899 on order number 20411, and repaired and returned on February 23, 1900 on order number 53001.

Our Assessment: When introduced, 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 intended for competitors in “Match Shooting”, a sport which was extremely popular from about 1871-1917. 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 Antique Winchester Model 1885 High Wall Deluxe Schuetzen Rifle was made in 1898 and is in Fine condition. It’s chambered in .32-40 Winchester Center Fire, and exhibits several fantastic special-order features. Confirmed by the included Cody Firearms Museum Winchester factory records letter, the rifle was made with its 30" octagonal No. 3 weight barrel, double set triggers, checkered stocks with pistol grip, palm rest, Dutch cheekpiece, Helm buttplate, and Mid-range Vernier and Wind gauge sights. The letter does not mention the understated floral scroll engraving at the sides and underside of the front trigger guard, but we have no doubt this is factory original as well, as similar Winchester special order deluxe Schuetzen rifles from the turn of the century carry nearly identical engraving. This is a spectacular piece, and could be the cornerstone of any antique Winchester collection.