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LOT 46
Special Order Antique Winchester Deluxe Model 1885 High Wall Schuetzen Rifle with Factory Letter, Winner of the 2013 Winchester Arms
Collectors Association Best Single Weapon Display - Serial no. 80875, 32-40 cal., 36 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Documented with several special order
features, this exceptional deluxe Model 1885 rifle represents the apex of Winchester single shot craftsmanship at the end of the 19th century. The condition alone makes this Model 1885 worthy of the finest collections. Add the special order features, this rifle reaches a category of collectability that only a few firearms reach. The accompanying factory letter confirms the no. 5 octagon
barrel in .32-40 caliber, Schuetzen set trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, mid-range and windgauge sights, no rear seat, Helm buttplate, palm rest,
and spur lever. The letter lists a 26 inch barrel, but this is a factory error as the barrel is 36 inches, a rare barrel length for this model. The letter also
confirms the rifle was received in the warehouse on January 11, 1898 and shipped the same day. This high condition single shot was the 2013 Winchester
Arms Collectors Association winner of Best Single Weapon Display at the Western Show, Reno, Nevada. The WACA recognition plaque for this award is
included. The No. 5 heavy barrel is original as it still lacks a rear sight seat. The no. 5 is a scarce barrel as the No. 3 barrel was considered the standard type of a Schuetzen. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line Winchester New Haven address and “32-40” caliber designation. The lower tang has the patent dates marking and the serial number. The casehardened receiver is fitted with double set triggers. The deluxe XXX walnut forearm and pistol grip stock are checkered. The forearm has an ebony tip insert. The left side of the lower tang is marked “5121 XXX CPM.” The assembly number “5121” is repeated on the buttplate and butt of the stock. The stock features a Helm buttplate and factory hard rubber grip cap.
CONDITION: Excellent. The barrel retains 95% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance. The receiver, hammer, and lever retain 90% plus vivid original case colors.
90% plus original blue remains on the buttplate. The wood is also excellent with some minor handling marks and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. An award winning antique deluxe Winchester Model 1885 Schuetzen rifle that will make a grand statement in any Winchester or single shot collection. Provenance: Property of a Gentleman; 2013 Winchester Arms Collectors Association winner of Best Single Weapon Display.
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000