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Rare Factory Documented Flatside Receiver Winchester Model 1885 High Wall Musket with Saber Bayonet

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:0.00 USD Estimated At:7,000.00 - 9,000.00 USD
Rare Factory Documented Flatside Receiver Winchester Model 1885 High Wall Musket with Saber Bayonet
This is example of a Winchester Model 1885 High Wall Musket with rare 'thick side' frame (aka flatside). The accompanying Winchester factory letter verifies the serial number, musket configuration, caliber, barrel length, plain trigger, saber bayonet and that it was received in and shipped out of the warehouse on May 1, 1888 as part of order number 6559. The musket has military-style long range rear sights graduated to 1000 yards. The forend is secured to the barrel by two bands; the forward band has a bayonet lug on the right side. The musket has a steel cleaning rod with knurled tip. The frame, lever, hammer and buttplate have a casehardened finish and the barrel is blue. 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 "45-70", is stamped at the breech. "-PAT.OCT. 7th 79 -" is marked on the lower tang just behind the trigger followed by the serial number. The musket is mounted with a smooth, full forearm with an iron forend and straight grip stock with a carbine style buttplate. There is a sling swivel mounted on the buttstock and on the forward barrel band. A rack number "20" is stamped on the right side of the stock just ahead of the buttplate. The musket is complete with a saber bayonet with a 20" bright blade with 'yataghan' downward curve. The ricasso is marked on one side with a "B" and on the opposite with a "crown / "C". The hilt is cast brass with a bird's head pommel and a scale motif on the grip.
BBL: 32 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 45/70 Govt.
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 24520
Condition: Very fine. The barrel retains 75% plus of the original blue finish with some thinning on the top which is giving way to a smooth plum patina. The rear barrel band has a smooth gray patina with strong original blue finish present, and the front barrel band/forend cap retains most of the original blue finish. The frame retains 60% original vivid case colors mixed with a smooth mottled gray patina. The lever has a smooth silver gray patina with strong original case colors in protected areas. The buttplate has a smooth brown patina. The wood is excellent with only a few minor dings and only minimal handling wear. The bayonet is very fine. The blade retains most of the original bright finish with light to moderate age discoloration. The brass has an attractive aged patina. An excellent and scarce High Wall Musket with very desirable Saber Bayonet.