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1885 Low-Wall .38-40

dbix4u
I inherited a very nice winchester, it fires very well, all is in tact with no rust, riffling is great.
I've looked on line and have seen prices for this 1885 Low-Wall, .38-.40, octagon barrel, made in 1889, late series number from 1500 t0 2700 and more, any clues to its true money value?
Thanks,
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Comments

8 comments

Date Votes
  • MIKE WISKEY
    there are several here that can help you, but they will need good pictures. there is a 'sticky' above on how to do this.
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  • captkirk3@dslextreme.com
    You need to talk to BERT H., Moderator on Ask the Experts Forum...Winchester Low Wall and High Wall are His Expertise..... I think He's off to a Gun Show this weekend, but will probably catch Up with Your this evening...If Not drop Him and Email......
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  • Bert H.
    Hello dbix4u,

    Winchester offered and equipped the Model 1885 Single Shot Rifles with a plethora (large number) of special order options, each of which will add value to the rifle. As such, the precise configuration of the rifle is important in determining the value, as is the graded condition. That said, the fact that it is a centerfire low-wall versus the much more common rimfire is a big plus.

    If you can post (or send me) a series of clear pictures, I can determine exactly what you have, and a close estimate of the condition. With the serial number, I can also tell you when it was manufactured, and if it is still in its original factory configuration. With the pictures, please include the following information;

    1. Serial number
    2. Barrel length as measured to the rear edge of the frame ring (it most likley will be 28-inches).
    3. Barrel size number (look on the bottom flat of the barrel just forward of the forend stock tip). For the low-wall, a "1" was standard, but many were made with a number "2" barrel.
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  • v35
    I would not shoot metal jacketed bullets from this old rifle.
    Either shoot lead Cowboy loads or lead bulleted handloads or rapid erosion of the rifling will occur.
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  • dbix4u
    Hey Bert H.
    Thanks for the tips. Here are some pictures, the serial number, a stamped date, the #1-next to an ebony inlay. Please let tell me what ya know, if you need any other info. I will try to provide you with what I can.
    Thanks,
    dbix4u/Users/danielbixler/Desktop/I[img][/img][img][/img][img][/img][img][/img]MG_1959.JPG/Users/danielbixler/Desktop/IMG_1926.JPG/Users/danielbixler/Desktop/IMG_1949.JPG/Users/danielbixler/Desktop/IMG_1931.JPG/Users/danielbixler/Desktop/IMG_1936.JPG[img][/img][img][/img][img][/img]IMG_1938.JPG
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  • dbix4u
    Hey Bert H.
    Looks like the pictures did not take on my first try, I will try again, however here is the info:
    The rifle has a number 1 forward the the front stock, which by the way has an ebony inlay), below the trigger is the Pat. Date Oct. 7 .79, the serial number is 59028, the barrel length is 28". The front site is a folding peep sit, and in tac.
    Thanks
    dbix4u
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  • Bert H.
    Hello Dan,

    Your low-wall rifle is listed as follows in the factory ledgers;

    Received in warehouse: March 2nd, 1893
    Type: Rifle
    Caliber: 38 WCF
    Barrel: 28" No. 1 octagon
    Trigger: Plain
    Stocks: Blank (which means standard configuration)
    Sights: Blank (which indicates standard open sporting sights)
    Butt: Blank (which indicates a standard cresscent steel butt plate)
    Shipped: April 8th, 1893
    Order No.: 17089

    All Model 1885 Sporting Rifles have the ebony inlay in the forend stock as a standard feature.

    If you are unable to get the pictures to post here, please send them to me at Win1885@msn.com
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  • dbix4u
    Hey Bert, Sent some Pics yeaterday, hopefully they turned out. Any idea of the value or this model winchester?
    Thanks for your help and all.
    Dbix4u
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