Make: Winchester

Model: 1885 High Wall

Serial Number: 11731

Year of Manufacture: 1887 / Antique

Caliber: .22 W.C.F.

Action Type: Lever Actuated Falling Block Single Shot

Barrel Length: 26” No. 2 Octagonal Barrel

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch semi-buckhorn elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. The tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight, none present.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut. The forend has a Schnabel tip with a triangular ebony inlay. The buttstock has a straight pistol grip, straight comb, and steel crescent buttplate. There are some scattered minor compressions, dings, nicks, and scratches. There is a small crack on the left side of the buttstock toward the toe. The LOP measures 13 1/8″ from the front of the set trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has taken to a mottled patina with some scattered erosion. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blued & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dull with defined rifling where not interrupted by erosion. There is modest erosion throughout the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 6/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 10% of its metal finish. Most of the finish has worn to white with scattered patina, oxidation, and corrosion. There are some scattered nicks, dings, scuffs, and scratches. There are a few scabs on the barrel. The screwheads show light use with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Good condition as Antique.

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

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: This Winchester Model 1885 High Wall, manufactured in 1887, represents one of John M. Browning’s earliest and most respected single shot rifle designs, produced during the formative years of Winchester’s falling block program. Chambered in .22 W.C.F. and fitted with a 26 inch No. 2 octagonal barrel, this configuration reflects the period emphasis on accuracy, balance, and deliberate shooting, whether for target work or small game. The High Wall action was widely regarded for its strength and rigidity, and early examples such as this illustrate Winchester’s commitment to precision craftsmanship in the black powder era.

Condition reflects honest antique use with most of the original finish worn to white and patina, while markings remain clear and legible. The bore shows defined rifling with age consistent wear, and the action functions correctly. The walnut stocks retain their classic lines with only minor cosmetic issues, including a small crack near the toe, and the Schnabel tipped forend with ebony inlay adds a refined visual element. Overall, this rifle presents as an authentic and unaltered example of an early Winchester High Wall that retains strong period character and mechanical integrity.