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Scarce Winchester Model 1885 High Wall Single Shot Special Target Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,800.00 USD Estimated At:4,500.00 - 7,000.00 USD
Scarce Winchester Model 1885 High Wall Single Shot Special Target Rifle
This is a very nice example of a scarce early Winchester 1885 "Special" single shot target Rifle manufactured in 1888. The overall appearance would indicate that it is a standard high wall rifle, equipped with a deluxe fancy walnut checkered pistol grip stock and forend, with a single set trigger. However this rifle is actually a pre-Schuetzen target rifle as described and pictured on pages 123-126 of the Winchester Single Shot book by Campbell. The distinguishing feature of these rifles is that they were equipped with a double prong nickel plated Swiss style brass buttplate, and a Winchester mid-range Veneer tang sight. This rifle is even more scarce in that it is equipped with a single set trigger and a unique three position, rotating front sight. The front sight is unique in that is rotates within the base and has three different beads, one brass, one steel and one ivory. The sight isn't listed in the Winchester book by Midas nor the Campbell book and the only markings on it is a small patent date on the back, marked "Pat. SEPT.4.08". It has the correct early "Nib" style top tang buttplate and it also has a buckhorn style rear sight mounted on the barrel. Both of these features along with the serial number 27551 ( which is earlier than the ones described in the noted book) all appear to indicate that it was a fairly early version of this rare Special rifle. The overall appearance of the rifle indicates that it is completely original and unaltered. It has the standard number 3, 30" octagon barrel with the standard two line address and patent markings on the top flat, casehardened action, and pistol grip stock with cheekpiece.
BBL: 30 inch octagon
Stock: checkered walnut
Gauge: 32-40
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 27551
Condition: Fine overall with 50% of the faded original barrel blue finish on the barrel, showing thinning and wear on the edges and high spots. The action and loading lever show traces of original case colors mostly in the protected areas with the balance having a smooth gray patina. With the exception of a 1" chip on the upper right side of the wrist, the refinished wood is also very fine with almost all of the finish remaining and showing some minor dings and handling marks overall, and crisp checkering. Both front upper edges of the forearm have been angled downward, intentionally cut down so that they would not bind on the barrel. A nice example of a scarce pre-Schuetzen Special Target Rifle.