Make: Winchester

Model: 1885 High Wall

Serial Number: 46595

Year of Manufacture: 1891 / Antique

Caliber: .40-70 Sharps STR.

Action Type: Lever Actuated Falling Block Single Shot

Barrel Length: 30" No. 3 Octagonal Barrel

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a german silver 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 in the top of the wrist at the tip of the tang. 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 faint 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 light erosion throughout the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 6.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its metal finish. The barrel retains a strong amount of blue with some light mottled patina and oxidation. There is thinning on the leading edges. The case color is vibrant with gentle muting primarily on the leading edges and in the high handling areas. There are a few tiny nicks on the upper tang. There are some scattered nicks, dings, scuffs, and scratches. There is some sort of clear residue on parts of the barrel. The screwheads show light use with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very 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 1891, represents the mature expression of John M. Browning’s renowned falling block design, a platform celebrated for its strength, rigidity, and inherent accuracy. Chambered in .40-70 Sharps Straight and fitted with a substantial 30 inch No. 3 octagonal barrel, this configuration reflects the late 19th century preference for powerful, accurate single shot rifles suited to target shooting, long range work, and serious sporting use. The High Wall action was widely respected among accomplished riflemen, and rifles of this type were often ordered with heavier barrels to take full advantage of black powder era ballistics and deliberate marksmanship.

Condition remains notably strong for an antique High Wall in a large bore chambering. The rifle retains a substantial amount of original blue on the barrel with attractive patina and oxidation consistent with age, while the case colors on the action remain vibrant with only gentle muting in high contact areas. The bore shows defined rifling with expected erosion for the caliber and period, and the action functions correctly. The walnut stocks remain solid and well shaped with only minor cosmetic issues, including a small crack at the wrist. Overall, this is a well preserved and visually impressive Winchester High Wall that retains its original finish, desirable configuration, and strong late 19th century single shot presence.