10/21/21 - This is an excellent example of a beautiful Winchester Model 1885 Lever Action rifle. It was manufactured in 1889, chambered in .44 WCF, and has a 28" barrel. The 1885 Single Shot was the first and perhaps one of the greatest of all the John Moses Browning designs. It was 100% conceived of and created by Browning in the frontier pioneer town of Ogden, Utah in 1878. Not only was it the first he produced, but it was the gun that started his relationship with the Winchester Repeating Arms company. They knew it was a superior single shot design and they knew it had to be a Winchester. The partnership began in 1885 and the Single Shot became the Model 1885 Winchester. This one is in excellent condition, retaining virtually all of its beautiful bluing. Most of the case hardening on the lever is worn but still visible on the sides of the lever. There is minor scratchy wear on the tang near the wrist. The finish on the butt plate is worn with spotty oxidation throughout. The stock is excellent with just a few minor handling marks here and there. The bore is mint.
