Description
Highly Collectable, 1 of just 800 made in 20G & 1 of just 160 imported into Australia!
The Winchester Model 1885 is based on John Moses Browning’s very first firearms patent & was produced in a wide variety of rifle calibers & configurations with the most popular being .22!
Winchester also produced a very small number of Model 1885’s as 20 gauge shotguns in the early 20th century. This rare Winchester shotgun was manufactured in 1913 with a plain barrel with a brass bead front sight & the markings are clear. The two-line Winchester address & patent marking followed by the two-line nickel steel marking & “20 GA.” & “FULL” markings on the left side, “WP” proofs on top of the barrel & action, the latter location offset to the left due to the wavy line “matting” on the top of the frame. The three-line trade mark legend is correctly on the upper tang, the serial number on the lower tang followed by “A” at the rear, smooth Schnabel tip forearm & straight grip stock with section of stunning figure on both sides at the toe and 13 1/4 inch length of pull & the chamber appears to be 2 3/4 inches.
More variations of the Model 1885 were produced than any other model produced by Winchester but just 800 were made in 20g, making this shotgun one of the rarest variations encountered by Winchester collectors.
We have been in contact with the Winchester Arms Collectors Association in the US who have confirmed that of the 800 Winchester 1885 High Wall shotguns in 20G around 20% were exported to Australia in 1913-14 & this is one of these. This gun has now been included in their research database as a known Australian imported gun.
We have this gun assessed by Rock Island Auctions in Illinois who are a premier auction house for rare & collectable vintage firearms in the US. They have advised in writing this has a value of between $1,800-$2,750 USD in its current condition. This figure has been confirmed in writing by the Winchester Arms Collectors Association as being accurate. In their words, they ‘haven’t seen an 1885 sell for less than $2,500 (USD) in the past 15 years’ & would expect it to sell for between $2,500-$3,000 USD at auction in the US.
That condition is pretty bloody good for a 112 year old, as can be seen in the photos & we think is priced to sell!
We are not going to try & rate the condition out of 100 as everyone seems to have a different opinion on what the percentages should be, so we’ll let the pictures be the description. You will know if this is for you so view the photos carefully & make your decision based on what you see as they form the main description & override all written information. Ask for more if desired.
We think we have described it accurately & correctly but do not claim to be infallible so if we have got anything wrong, it is unintentional.
Whilst we check these out for serviceability, the warranty has expired & this is sold on an ‘as is’ basis. As with all used guns, we recommend you have this checked by a suitably qualified person prior to shooting.
Standard cost for shipping to metro locations is $75 & all guns are sent via StarTrack without insurance but packed very well.
For further information & an indication of the value, see the guns below:
https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/86/3050/winchester-model-1885-high-wall-20-gauge-shotgun
https://auctions.morphyauctions.com/lot-454701.aspx
