Make: Winchester

Model: 1885 High Wall

Serial Number: 60758

Year of Manufacture: 1893

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

Action Type: Falling-Block Single-Shot Rifle with Single Set-Trigger (see Mechanics)

Barrel Length: 30" Half-Octagon, #3 Weight

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a two-position folding Beech-style sight, presenting either a post or a beaded post in a round hood, dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The front sight is not original to the rifle. The rear sight is a "V"-notch semi-buckhorn elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel; the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The top tang is drilled and tapped with a factory folding Vernier tang sight installed, adjustable for elevation.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with an ebony-tipped schnabel forend, ebony inlay in the bottom of the pistol grip, straight comb with Swiss cheek piece, and Swiss-style nickel-plated brass crescent buttplate. The wrist has a break which has been repaired with a threaded brass cross-bar and there are some cracks around the rear of the tangs. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs, and scratches. The finish shows crazing, mostly in the buttstock. The LOP measures 13 1/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate shows scattered wear and finish loss. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition as refinished and repaired Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is light gray. The rifling is well defined. There is minor erosion and some minor pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about a 7 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is some scattered minor surface oxidation. There are some light nicks, scuffs, and scratches. The receiver's case color has some muting, but much of the color remains. The lever shows more muting and some discoloration from oxidation with stronger color in protected areas. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition as Antique (see Mechanics).

Mechanics: The rifle has a set trigger installed, but we were not able to get it to set properly. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety and cocks automatically upon closing. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a Winchester factory records letter indicating serial number applied January 30, 1893, assembled as a Rifle, caliber 32/40, 30" 1/2 Octagon #3 weight barrel, set trigger, pistol grip stock with Swiss cheek piece, and equipped with Mid-range Vernier and Wind gauge sights, received in warehouse May 22, 1895, and shipped May 23, 1895 on order number 11932.

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 Winchester Model 1885 High Wall Deluxe Rifle was made in 1893 and is in Fine condition as Antique. It’s chambered in .32-40 Winchester Center Fire, and exhibits some very nice special-order features. Confirmed by the included Winchester factory records letter, the rifle was made with its 30" half-octagon #3 weight barrel, set-trigger, pistol grip, and Swiss cheek piece. The letter does not mention the buttplate, but that’s to be expected, as Swiss buttplates were standard on Winchester special order single shot rifles at the time. The front sight has been replaced with a Beech-style sight, but the Vernier tang sight is mentioned in the letter. This would make a fine addition to an antique Winchester collection.