Make: Winchester

Model: 1885 High Wall

Serial#: 81264

Year of Manufacture: 1898 (Antique)

Caliber: .38-55 Winchester

Action Type: Single-Shot, Falling Block Rifle

Markings: The barrel is marked "MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A." and "38-55" caliber designation. The serial number "81264" is clearly marked on the lower tang.

Barrel Length: 30” Octagon, #3 Barrel Weight

Sights / Optics: Standard Winchester sights, including a dovetailed blade front sight and semi-buckhorn rear sight adjustable for elevation.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are walnut with a straight grip buttstock and matching forend. The buttstock features a crescent steel buttplate. Wood surfaces display minor handling marks, light scratches, and typical wear consistent with age and careful use. No cracks or significant damage noted. Overall, the stocks remain in Very Good to Fine antique condition.

Type of Finish: Blued Barrel; Case-Colored Receiver (now mostly silvered)

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright, and rifling remains sharp. There is minor scattered erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains approximately 95% original barrel bluing. The receiver retains about 10% faint traces of original case coloring, now primarily turned to an attractive silver patina. Metal surfaces display minor edge wear, light handling marks, and typical aging appropriate for its age. Screwheads remain sharp with minimal tool marks. All markings remain crisp and clearly visible. Overall, this rifle rates Fine antique condition.

Mechanics: The falling-block action is smooth and locks up securely. The trigger pull remains crisp and functional. As with all antique firearms, thorough inspection and cleaning are recommended before use.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment:

Introduced in 1885, Winchester’s Model 1885 High Wall is considered one of the finest single-shot rifle designs ever produced. Developed by the legendary firearm designer John M. Browning, this model quickly gained a reputation for strength, reliability, and accuracy. This particular example, chambered in the popular .38-55 Winchester caliber, manufactured in 1898, epitomizes the classic Winchester single-shot rifle configuration with its heavy #3 octagonal barrel and distinctive crescent buttplate.

Retaining an impressive 95% of its original barrel bluing, along with a faint but attractive silvered receiver finish from original case colors, this rifle provides collectors and shooters with a desirable combination of authenticity, condition, and historical appeal. Its strong bore condition (rated 8.5/10) further enhances its value as both a collector’s piece and an excellent vintage shooter.

This Winchester 1885 High Wall represents an opportunity to own a beautiful, historically significant firearm that offers a genuine connection to America's firearm heritage. For collectors, shooters, or Winchester enthusiasts, it would be a prized acquisition—both as an investment and as a functional piece of firearms history.