167

Scarce Winchester Model 1885 Semi-Deluxe Target Rifle in 22 Short with Swiss Buttplate

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Long Guns - Rifles Start Price:1,300.00 USD Estimated At:2,750.00 - 4,000.00 USD
Scarce Winchester Model 1885 Semi-Deluxe Target Rifle in 22 Short with Swiss Buttplate
Buyer's Premium is 20.5% by credit card, reduced to 18% if payment is made by cash, check or wire transfer. Contact Rock Island Auction Company to complete your registration with the auction house.
Scarce Winchester Model 1885 Semi-Deluxe Target Rifle in 22 Short with Swiss Buttplate

This is an excellent example of a semi-deluxe or special sporting rifle in the very desirable 22 short caliber. These rifles are a pre-Schuetzen target rifle with this example being made in late 1900 or early 1901. This model has several special order features such as the pistol grip stock with Winchester grip cap, factory checkering on both the pistol grip area of the stock and forend, small Winchester Swiss-style double prong buttplate and close-coupled double set trigger. The rifle has been fitted with a number 3 weight full octagon barrel that is marked "MANUFACTURED BY THE/WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CONN. U.S.A.", on the top flat ahead of the rear sight dovetail and "22 SHORT" at the breech. The lower tang behind the trigger is marked "PAT. OCT. 7TH 79", with the serial number "89389" on the rear of the tang. Winchester globe front sight, filler block in the rear sight dovetail and a modern replacement mid-range target style vernier rear sight that's adjustable for both windage and elevation and has an unmarked eye-cup.

Manufacture: Winchester
Model: High Wall
BBL: 28 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 22 short
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 89389

Very fine. The rifle retains 85% of the original blue finish on the barrel with wear on the edges and high spots and the blue starting to thin out and fade on the upper front section of the barrel and the rear area directly in front of the receiver. The receiver retains 80% plus of the original blue finish with light wear and thinning on the edges, high spots and sides, as well as the upper front section of the receiver where it contacts the barrel. The wood is also very fine with 95% of the original varnish remaining, showing some minor handling marks and light scratches and a nice tight wood to metal fit. The Swiss-style buttplate retains 75% of the original nickel plated finish, showing honest even wear. The loading lever has faded to a gray mottled patina and the breechblock and hammer retain 75% of the case colors, mostly in the protected areas. The markings are clear. The action is excellent. This is a very fine example of a semi-deluxe Winchester Model 1885 High Wall Target Rifle.