The Model 1885 is a single shot falling block rifle designed by John M. Browning and manufactured by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company from 1885 through 1920. The action operates via an underlever that doubles as the trigger guard, which when lowered drops the breechblock vertically to expose the chamber for loading. The High Wall variant features receiver sidewalls that extend upward to fully enclose the breech end of the barrel and the hammer, as distinguished from the Low Wall variant whose sidewalls are cut lower. The High Wall configuration was designed to handle higher pressure cartridges and larger caliber loadings. The 40-82 Winchester Center Fire cartridge was introduced in 1885 as a black powder big game round, firing a .406 caliber bullet of approximately 260 grains propelled by 82 grains of black powder. It shared the same case as the 40-65 WCF but with a heavier powder charge, and was chambered in both the Model 1885 single shot and the Model 1886 lever action.

This example is serial number 76046, dating its manufacture to 1896. It is chambered in 40-82 WCF and fitted with a 30 inch octagon barrel with blued finish. The receiver and action feature a color case hardened finish. The rifle is equipped with a Marble rear peep sight mounted on the tang, a semi-buckhorn rear sight with elevator on the barrel, and a hooded front sight. The stock is walnut with a steel crescent buttplate, and the forend is walnut with schnabel tip and black inlay. No accessories included.

Markings

The top of the barrel is marked "-MANUFACTURED BY THE- -WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A.-" ahead of the rear sight, and "40-82 W.C.F." between the rear sight and receiver. The lower tang is marked "PAT. OCT. 7th 79" along with the serial number. The bottom of the receiver bears a small "G" marking. The underside of the barrel is marked with a small "3" forward of the forend.

Condition

This rifle's bore is in exceptional condition, mostly shiny with very sharp and defined rifling. Receiver retains small faint patches of its color case hardened finish, although the action and internal components still display a well preserved color case hardened finish. Missing a lower tang screw.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Winchester Repeating Arms Co. (New Haven, CT)
• Model: 1885 High Wall
• Serial Number: 76046
• Date of Manufacture: 1896
• Caliber: 40-82 WCF
• Action: Single shot, falling block, underlever
• Barrel: 30 inches, octagon
• Finish: Blued barrel, color case hardened receiver & action
• Stock: Walnut with steel crescent buttplate
• Forend: Walnut with narrow black tip
• Sights: Hooded front sight, semi-buckhorn rear sight with elevator, Marble tang-mounted rear peep sight