SOLD
5,000.00USD+ buyer's premium + applicable fees & taxes.
This item SOLD at 2022 Jul 09 @ 09:46UTC-6 : CST/MDT
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Outstanding, early Winchester Model 1885 High Wall single-shot falling-block action octagon rifle in very desirable and scarce .45-70 caliber with high condition. This rifle with serial number 15578 was manufactured in 1887. Designed by Jonathan Browning as an improved and strengthened falling block single shot rifle capable of handling the largest and most powerful cartridges of the day, this was the first of his inventions discovered by the famed Winchester Arms company. Winchester was so impressed with Jonathan Browning and his rifle, a deal was struck for his patent. Winchester tooled up and began producing Browning’s creation in 1885 and continued production for approximately 30 years. After selling the patent to Winchester for this first rifle, Browning went on to invent new rifles, shotguns and handguns well into the 20th
Century. Winchester and Colt were the major buyers of his arms which included the Winchester Models 1886, 1892, 1895 and 1895 and Colt automatic pistols and machine guns. The Highwall Single Shot rifle was chambered in cartridges from .22 Short Rim Fire to the big .50 calibers. One of the most desired caliber was the big .45 Government chambering also known as the .45-70. This powerful caliber was widely used on the frontier for the largest game. Since it was also the government’s standard caliber, ammunition was always available at frontier outposts and forts. In the eastern portion of the United States and on the popular target ranges of the day, the Highwall was usually chambered in smaller, less recoiling calibers. As popular as the .45-70 was in the western U.S., the population there
was relatively small and the number of 1885 Model rifles so chambered was correspondingly small.
According to a recent study of Model 1885 production figures, of well over 100,000 Model 1885s produced, only 3,032 were chambered in .45-70 which comprised only 2.76% of total production. From a collector’s standpoint this makes any .45-70 chambered Model 1885 a rarity. Survival rates for early rifles is also small which also adds to the scarcity of such rifles. This example is truly outstanding. The receivers on early rifles were finished in case hardened colors. Handling and sunlight will quickly fade these swirling colors in the surface of the metal to a silver-gray and finding an example that retains case colors in a rarity in itself. This rifle still reveals fine, vivid case colors on the receiver sides, receiver ring behind the barrel and around the hammer on the upper portions. The colors are fairly
bright and only lightly faded. The octagon barrel measures a correct 28” and is the standard No.3
weight for this heavy caliber. The barrel retains nearly all the deep Winchester blue with only light wear. Markings are all crisp and the barrel is fitted with a buckhorn rear wight with the elevator bar intact plus a small blade front sight. The action is exceptionally tight and the bore is also bright and excellent with sharp rifling all the way through. The rifle was also fitted with a single set trigger by which the trigger is pushed forward to “set” and then a slight pressure on the now set trigger will fire the rifle. This trigger is intact, but needs an adjustment to hold the set position. The rifle will still function perfectly without the trigger being set. The butt stock and forearm are also in excellent condition showing only light handling and very tight wood to metal fit. The screw heads are excellent and the forend has the correct factory ebony wedge inlay in the tip. Overall, one of the most exceptional of the big frontier caliber Highwall Single Shot rifles we’ve seen. It is in especially
remarkable condition considering it was made for the western trade in the first two full years of production! Model 1885 rifles in this caliber are very difficult to locate in any condition and this example is truly exceptional. Serial Number: 15578. This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.
Auction Location:
34156 E Frontage Rd, Bozeman, Montana, 59715, United States
Previewing Details:
Preview the Friday before the auction 10am to 5pm or by appointment.
No sales tax in Montana
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
23% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
North American Auction Company is proud to announce the opening of our new in-house, full-service shipping department. We have listened to you the customer and will now be handling all outgoing packages in our new shipping department. We are confident this new offering will allow for a smooth transition from auction block to your front step. We have partnered with preferred carriers to ensure a safe, efficient delivery that works best with your schedule. Please allow 14-21 days after complete invoice payment is made to package and ship your purchase.
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For a shipping quote please contact the same information above. PLEASE NOTE a shipping quote price can fluctuate in price. Auction company is not responsible for actual shipping cost being higher than quoted shipping cost.
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Auction Terms & Conditions North American Auction Company, Terms and Conditions
A. Conditions of Sale
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Auction Company (hereinafter North American Auction Company will be referred to as Auction Co. and
the user or persons will be referred to as bidder or buyer).
2. Bidders must be at least 18 years of age to participate or register in the auction.
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the Auction Co. in its sole and unlimited discretion, at any time prior to, during, or even after the close
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According to U.C.C. § 2-328 (3). Sale by Auction
" U.C.C. § 2-328 (3). Sale by Auction:
Such a sale is with reserve unless the goods are in explicit terms put up without reserve. In an
auction with reserve the auctioneer may withdraw the goods at any time until he announces
completion of the sale
All items in this sale are offered subject to reserve according to the above statement. Auction Co. holds
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acknowledges that there may be errors in what is listed in the catalog. Auction Co. strongly recommends
that the Bidder has an acknowledged expert view the item. All bidders are required to physically or
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the lot for sale. The Auction Co. shall have sole discretion to refuse any bid, or refuse to acknowledge
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any bidder. The Auction Co. also holds the right to terminate the purchase for any 37 reason, even in the
38 event the bidder was given notice that he/she is the high bidder and purchaser, the bidder agrees that
the Auction Co. may terminate the purchase or agreement, in which case the Auction Co.'s only liability
shall be the return of the highest bid amount the buyer paid with exception to any and all extra cost
including but not limited to buyer's premium and shipping.
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parties' transaction hereunder.
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of the auction. Buyers who cannot for any reason be present on the day of the event are required to make prior arrangements with the auction company before bidding for time and date for removal of items suitable with the auction company.
All merchandise
purchased must be removed without damaging any property or altering any property in any way. All
cost, responsibility of risk of such removal shall be subject to the Buyer or any persons on the Buyers
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property after or during the announced removal period. If for any reason the Buyer fails to remove any
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Auction Co. may impose, and the Buyer agrees to pay, a 1.5% late charge added to the invoice and any
storage expense in the event the items are not removed from the premises in the announced period, auction day
Buyer agrees that paying any and all outstanding balances with the Auction Co. does
not in any way relinquish them from any late fees or storage charges in the event the item has failed to be
removed within the announced time. Storage fees will be charged to all items that have not been
removed from the auction premise after the last item is sold on the day of the auction. Storage fees will
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the Buyer on the day of sale if the property is paid in full by Cash, Credit Card, or Wire Transfer. Payment
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made by Personal or Company Checks will result in the Auction Co. holding the title for 75 a minimum of 10
days or until the check clears, at which point the Auction Co. will release the title.
11. PAYMENT: All items must be paid in full prior to the removal of purchased or won lots. Auction Co.
does not accept partial payments. Invoices are payable by cashier's check, cash or credit
card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, & American Express). North American Auction Company reserve the right to require payment on any invoice by wire transfer. All invoices over $4,000.00 must be paid by wire transfer. Do not bid if you are unable to pay invoices over $4,000.00 by wire transfer. Payment may also be made by Personal and
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shipping of purchased lots or for other carriers or packers of purchased lots, whether or not
recommended by our company. Packing and handling of purchased lots is at the entire risk of the
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B. Conditions of Sale of Firearms.
1. Any persons who desire to become a Bidder on any firearms are required to be 18 years of age for any
long gun and 21 years of age for any hand gun. Auction Co. is a licensed and practicing Federal Firearms
Licensed (FFL) dealer. Any Bidders who desire to bid on and purchase any firearms in our auctions
cannot have been convicted of a felony, have any restraining orders, or have any reason that they would
not pass a NICS FFL Background Check. Auction Co. holds the right to run a NICS FFL Background check
on any purchaser. If the Bidder on a long gun is a current resident with correct identification from the
states of Wyoming, Idaho, North Dakota, or South Dakota and are attending the auction, the purchaser
can take possession of the long gun at checkout, only if the Bidder is approved by the NICS FFL
Background Check. If the Bidder is successful on a hand gun and in any state other than Montana the
firearm will be shipped to a Federal Firearm Licensed Dealer of your choosing nearest your residence.
The Buyer agrees to take sole responsibility for shipping of any firearms, including the delivery of the FFL
License of your choosing to the Auction Co. and all shipping/handling expenses.
C. Conditions of Sale: Bidding
1. Live Bidding: The auction event will be held on site located at 4370 3th Street Bozeman, MT 59715 live onsite bidding will be available.
onsite bidding is the most reliable and successful way to bid at our auction. Auction Co. advises any
serious bidders to come to the live event as this will ensure the easiest transaction and give the Bidder
the best opportunity to express their bids.
2. Telephone Bidding: Auction Co. offers Telephone Live Bidding for the auction event. Bidders wishing
to be a telephone bidder at the time an item is being sold must contact the Auction Co. in advance to
make arrangements. The bidder must contact the Auction Co. no later than 2:00 p.m. Mountain Time
Zone the day preceding the sale to make arrangements to bid via telephone. If a bidder contacts Auction
Co. after 2:00 p.m. Mountain Time Zone the day preceding the sale, Auction Co. cannot guarantee that
the bidder's bids will be executed. Bidders are required to fill out the "Phone Bidder Request Form"
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located on our website under the Phone Bidding tab. Once the bidder has filled out 112 the Phone Bidder
Request Form completely the auction company will then send the bidder the Telephone Bidder Terms of
Service Document. Bidders understand that the Auction Co. is not responsible for any lost information
or inability to contact the Bidder and that any form filled out on the Auction Co. website other than the
Phone Bidder Request form will not be an acceptable request for phone bidding. The Bidder is then
required to sign, scan, and email back the Telephone Bidder Terms of Service Document. Bidders can
also fax the Telephone Bidder Terms of Service Document to Auction Co. at 800-686-4216. Once the
document has been received by the Auction Co. then the Bidder will be entered into the Auction Co.
system as a phone bidder. Auction Co. will then have a representative contact you on the telephone
number the bidder has given the Auction Co. a few minutes or when the item is being sold. The Bidder
can then tell the Auction Co. representative to bid on the bidder's behalf. Telephone bidders may also
leave Phone Bidder Absentee Bids with the Auction Co. representative. Phone Bidder Absentee Bids are
a verbal or written request to the Auction Co. representative to leave a max bid amount for the
representative to bid on behalf of the Bidder. Bidders understand and acknowledge that the Auction Co.
is not held responsible for any and all damages resulting in but not limited to the loss of telephone
bidder's bids, misunderstanding of the bidder's amount, missed calls due to bad telephone connection.
By becoming a telephone bidder, her/she understands and acknowledges they are taking on sole risk of
any and all damages resulting in the telephone bidding. Telephone bidders also understand that any bid
the representative places on behalf of the bidder is a guarantee of purchase and that the bidder agrees
to purchase any items won on behalf of the Auction Co. representative at the representative's highest
accepted bid.
. Absentee Bidding: Auction Co. offers bidders absentee bidding
approval to bid and that the Auction Co. has the right to refuse or decline any bidder without
limitation. If the bidder is not able to bid live online or live onsite at the auction event the Auction Co.
advises the bidder to leave the maximum bid amount the bidder is willing to spend on any given item.
Bidding on any item indicates your acceptance of these terms and all other terms, written
posted, or announced at the time of sale whether bidding in person, through a representative, by
phone, by internet, or other absentee bid. All bids placed with the Auction Co. whether in person,
through a representative, by phone, by internet, or by absentee bid are taken in full confidence and
will not be shared or used incorrectly (Auction Co. DOES NOT bid on behalf of the consignor or share
with any persons the confidential bids placed by any persons). Auction Co. will not be responsible for
any errors or failures to execute bids placed (via absentee bidding without limitation including in
person, through a representative, by phone, by internet, or other absentee bid) including without
limitation, errors or failures caused by (i) a loss of connection to the internet or to any hosted
software platforms; (ii) a breakdown or technical problem with any of the hosted software platforms;
(iii) a breakdown or problem with a client's internet connection, mobile network or computer; (iv) the
failure to relay the bids placed for any reason without limitation due to the hectic nature of the live
auction event. Auction Co. is not responsible for any failure to execute an online bid or for any errors
or omissions in connection therewith. Online bidding via all hosted internet platforms will be recorded.
All bidding is subject to approval by the Auction Co. and Auction Co. Auctioneer representative at the
live auction event. Auction Co. holds the right to refuse or decline or accept in any order the bids
presented to the Auctioneer at the time of the live event. Bidders understand that all bids placed are
considered and executed as Competitive Bidding. Competitive Bidding is allowing the Auction Co. to
start the bid at the amount the Auctioneer will accept a bid regardless of any bidder's maximum bid.
understand that due to the hectic nature of the live auction event that the Auction Co. and Auctioneer
will not take into account the date at which any bid was placed (Example No.1: If the Auctioneer is
asking all bidders for a $1,000 bid and a live onsite bidder in person, a bidder through representative,
a telephone bidder, an internet live bidder from all of the five available hosted platforms, and an
absentee bidder all at the exact same time bid $1,000, the Auctioneer will award the high bid solely at
his discretion without limitations. Example No. 2: A bidder number 1 left an absentee bid of $1,000 on
a lot. The auction event is in processes and the bidder number 1 is the highest accepted bid at $100
and the Auctioneer according to his sole discretion sets the bidding increments at $100 and then
continues to call bids. The bidder number 1 is then accepted as the highest bidder at $900 and the
Auctioneer ask for $1,000 and accept the bid from another bidder, bidder number 2, at $1,000. The
Auctioneer then calls for any more bids at $1,100 and then sells the item to the bidder number 2.
Since the original bidder, bidder number 1, was accepted at $900 and the Auctioneer has chosen $100
increments the next accepted bid must be $1,000 and bidder number 1 cannot bid again as the
Auctioneer already has accepted his bid at $900. When the Auctioneer calls for $1,100 bidder number
1 no longer will show the Auction Co. representative any available bids and the item will be sold to
bidder number 2). Auction Co. is not liable for any damages or responsible for selling the item to
another bidder at your maximum bid amount without limitation.
. By registering to bid or/and bidding on any item this indicates the bidder's acceptance of these
terms and all other terms printed within, posted, and announced at the time of sale whether bidding in
person, through a representative, by phone, by internet, or other absentee bid. Auction Co. advises
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any persons who does not fully understand and acknowledge the terms written herewith 206 to refrain
from bidding in any manner. All bids left are an acknowledgement and agreement of these terms and
a guarantee for all payment invoices on any successful or purchased lots including any additional
expenses including but not limited to buyer's premium and storage cost and late fees when applicable.