Make: Winchester

Model: 1885 High Wall

Serial#: 65418

Year of Manufacture: 1893 (Antique)

Caliber: .40-65 WCF

Action Type: Single-Shot Falling Block Rifle

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked "MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CONN. U.S.A." The top of the chamber is marked "40-65 WCF". The lower tang is marked with the serial number "65418". The bottom barrel flat is marked "3" in front of the ebony schnabel inlay on the forearm.

Barrel Length: 28” Octagon

Sights / Optics: The rifle is equipped with a dovetailed blade front sight and a dovetailed semi-buckhorn rear sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are walnut with an ebony schnabel insert on the forend, straight wrist, and crescent metal buttplate in the white. A 2.5" hairline crack is present on the left side of the tang area. Bronze Indian Head pennies, dated 1893, have been tastefully inlaid on each side of the wrist. The wood exhibits general handling wear, dings, and scratches consistent with age and regular use. Overall, the stocks rate in Good condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blued (Faded to Brown Patina), Buttplate in the white

Finish Originality: Refinished long ago

Bore Condition: The bore is grey with worn rifling and scattered corrosion throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains approximately 30% of an older refinished blued finish, which has turned into a pleasing brown patina with soft edges and finish loss on leading surfaces. The barrel markings are thinning but remain legible. The rifle displays honest wear from years of handling and use. One tang screw has been replaced. Screwheads show moderate use. Overall, this rifle rates in Good condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all antique firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1885, designed by John Moses Browning, is a renowned single-shot rifle beloved for its robust construction and remarkable accuracy. This High Wall rifle, chambered in the classic .40-65 WCF cartridge, was manufactured in 1893 and carries significant charm and character. Notably enhanced with authentic bronze Indian Head pennies from the rifle’s birth year carefully inlaid into the wrist, this firearm possesses unique historical character that sets it apart. Though the rifle exhibits wear consistent with extensive use—including an older refinish, softened edges, and a bore showing honest wear—it remains a solid example of Winchester’s craftsmanship and design.

Whether displayed as a conversation piece or carefully restored for vintage shooting, this 1885 High Wall will appeal strongly to Winchester collectors and admirers of antique American firearms alike.