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Hi Folks!
First and foremost … thanks to everyone who helped me with the Schützenized 1885 discussed in a thread here a few weeks ago. Now …
I’ve found an 1885, serial number 96713, with a Number 4 barrel chambered in 22 long rifle. (Alas, it has none of the cool Schützen features of the earlier one.)
My vague understanding is that 1885s chambered in long rifle weren’t common until years later. So do you think this barrel was added later?
Thanks!
Dave
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Dave,
Model 1885 serial number 96713 is a “later years” rifle. It was shipped with a No. 4 octagon barrel in 22 Long Rifle.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
Dave,
Model 1885 serial number 96713 is a “later years” rifle. It was shipped with a No. 4 octagon barrel in 22 Long Rifle.
Bert
As before, many thanks! And as before, one question leads to another … According to the various lookup charts, 96713 was made in the early 1900s. So when are the “early years”?
Yours,
Dave
Dave,
Model 1885 serial number 96713 was applied in January of 1904, and the rifle was received in the warehouse in July of 1904. Production of the Model 1885 began in September of 1885, and ended in June 1920. Production of Model 1885 rifles in the 22 Long Rifle cartridge began in the 55000 serial range.
I personally consider the antique serial numbers (those < 82493) to be “early” production, and those > 82494 to be “late” production.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
Dave,Model 1885 serial number 96713 was applied in January of 1904, and the rifle was received in the warehouse in July of 1904. Production of the Model 1885 began in September of 1885, and ended in June 1920. Production of Model 1885 rifles in the 22 Long Rifle cartridge began in the 55000 serial range.
I personally consider the antique serial numbers (those < 82493) to be “early” production, and those > 82494 to be “late” production.
Bert
Got it! Many thanks!
Dave
P.S. At this point, I think I owe everyone a bit of explanation … I’m the owner of a small-town, weekly newspaper, and through that paper, folks in our area know that I’m a gun guy. Several weeks ago, I was approached by a person whose parent amassed a large collection of firearms.
The collection is far too large and far too broad for me to simply purchase, and so, I’ve been helping that person disperse individual items that I know a bit about.
My area of some limited expertise is Brownings, mainly Browning shotguns, but I’m familiar with the various John Moses Browning designed Winchesters … probably just familiar enough to be dangerous. That’s why I greatly appreciate the help I’ve received here, and as I pull additional Winchesters out of the collection. I will let the folks here know about them. Thanks again!
For your thoughts, here are some quickie cell phone photos …
It has a Number 4 octagon barrel and is chambered in 22 Long Rifle.
The bore is in surprisingly good condition with strong rifling and little sign of black powder corrosion. I don’t think it has been relined.
The bluing is in fair condition, more blotchy than brown. There are some cleaning scratches on the receiver, and I’m sure you noticed the screw plugs where, I presume, there were scope mounting blocks. The wood is in good condition. I believe the butt plate is original. I suspect the tang sight is not. The action and trigger work fine.
Enjoy!
Dave
Dave,
The front sight is not original. The Lyman tang sight is the correct one for a Model 1885, but it was likely added at a later date. The value killer for the rifle is the extra holes drilled & tapped in the barrel.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
Dave,
The front sight is not original. The Lyman tang sight is the correct one for a Model 1885, but it was likely added at a later date. The value killer for the rifle is the extra holes drilled & tapped in the barrel.
Bert
Thanks for the info, and your assessment makes sense. I’m guessing at a retail value of $1,200 to $1,400, but as always, the market will have the most accurate answer.
BTW … I don’t know the rules and traditions are in these forums, but if anyone feels I’ve overstepped the boundaries of price discussion, promotion, et al, feel free to tell me so. I won’t mind. This isn’t a business for me, but it’s been a great learning experience. Thanks!
Dave,
You are in the right range on the value estimate, and No, you have not overstepped any boundaries.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
Dave,You are in the right range on the value estimate, and No, you have not overstepped any boundaries.
Bert
Thanks! I’m working on several other rimfires from the same collection, including a Model 1873 in 22 Short and a Model 1890 in 22 Short. I’ve already sold another 1885 from the collection on Gunbroker (https://www.gunbroker.com/item/783436116).
Enjoy!
Dave
[email protected] said
Thanks! I’m working on several other rimfires from the same collection, including a Model 1873 in 22 Short and a Model 1890 in 22 Short. I’ve already sold another 1885 from the collection on Gunbroker (https://www.gunbroker.com/item/783436116).
Enjoy!
Dave
Just a minor update … Another Winchester rimfire — and 1890 — from the same collection will go up on Gunbroker tomorrow (https://www.gunbroker.com/item/786674623).
Enjoy!
Dave
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