Make: Winchester
Model: 1885 High Wall
Serial Number: 30672
Year of Manufacture: 1889 per Factory Letter / Antique
Caliber: .38-55
Action Type: Lever-Actuated Falling-Block Single-Shot Rifle
Barrel Length: 30" Octagon
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a folding Beach sight, dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch elevator sight, dovetailed to the barrel. The notch is fine adjustable for elevation. The tang is installed with a Marble tang sight. The rear sight was flipped or replaced at some point as there is light elevator wear near the barrel address.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut. The forend has a schnabel tip with ebony insert. The buttstock has a straight grip, straight comb and crescent steel buttplate. The stocks have some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are minor cracks in the top of the wrist at the end of the upper tang. The LOP measures 13 1/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Hardened
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light scattered erosion. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. The cased parts retain a strong amount of their color and figuring with light muting on the edges and high contact points. There is thinning on the leading edges. Small areas of the barrel have turned to a light mottled patina, generally toward the muzzle end. There is light intermittent oxidation. There are scattered handling marks. The barrel has some scattered minor finish wear, light scuffs and scratches. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine Plus condition as antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger breaks crisply and is fairly light. The lever locks up solidly. 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: This rifle includes a factory letter which confirms a received and shipment date of 1889, 30" #3 Octagonal barrel, .38-55 chambering, and plain trigger.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1885 was the first John M. Browning design adopted by Winchester, introducing the company to the exceptionally strong and precise falling-block action that became one of the premier American single-shot rifle designs. Offered in numerous sporting and target configurations, the High Wall was particularly well suited to substantial centerfire cartridges. This 1889 example is attractively configured in .38-55 with a factory-documented 30" #3 octagon barrel, a combination that gives it strong appeal among Winchester single-shot collectors and enthusiasts of traditional black-powder-era target rifles.
This rifle is in Fine condition as an Antique, retaining about 80% of its original blue and case-hardened finish. The case-hardened components retain strong color and figuring, while the barrel shows scattered handling wear, edge thinning, and limited areas of lightly mottled patina. The walnut stocks remain in about Very Good condition with minor handling marks and small cracks at the upper tang. The bore is bright with sharp rifling, shows light scattered erosion, and rates 6/10. The falling-block action functions correctly, the lever locks solidly, and the plain trigger breaks crisply. The included factory letter confirms the 1889 record dates, .38-55 chambering, 30" #3 octagon barrel, and plain-trigger configuration. Its original finish, substantial surviving case color, desirable heavy barrel, and factory documentation make this an appealing early High Wall for the advanced Winchester collection.
