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I’m generally on the hunt for whatever particular piece I want for my collection, however here’s one that was an unexpected purchase. A few days ago Austin Hemmingsen (Austin’s Guns) contacted me letting me know he had an extremely nice 1885 from an estate and he wanted to show me. I’m most interested in 73s and 86s but couldn’t turn this beauty down being that it’s so rare to run across an original Winchester (any model) in this condition.
It’s a 38-55 caliber made in 1889. Julia’s sold the rifle almost 5 years ago and I’ve included their info sheet below.
It’s also so has a little provenance in that it has a small and tastefully done silver nameplate engraved “J.W. Hirt” which has been connected by the included article on “John W. Hirt” co-owner of the Hirt and Miller Meat Market of Cleburne TX.
Winchester Model 1873 44-40 circa 1886
Think it’s safe to say this is NOT the gun Hirt & Miller used for slaughtering their hogs! Or for very much else, considering its condition!
November 7, 2015
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Very nice. Nice to know the story behind a rifle, that’s not usually part of the deal. Congrats!
January 26, 2011
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Wow, that’s a great looking high-wall. The graduated peep that letters is a nice adder. Congrats Kevin.
~Gary~
Kevin,
Beautiful. Congratulations. You’re right in saying they are hard to find in such nice original condition.
Al
Glad you like it Kevin, It is a great untouched piece. It turned out to be from an employee of a rare coin dealer in PA who was getting a few guns in from the estate of the man who bought it at Julia’s. Unfortunately, all other pieces in the collection were not good enough deals to purchase.
Thanks guys!
Austin you really have the knack for flushing out nice pristine Winchesters, I appreciate your running this one by me.
A question for anyone? The large #3 Octagon barrel is fairly heavy on this rifle, what are the advantages of this?
You had better have some strength in your shoulders and arms if you are planning on taking a long aim in shooting from the standing position. 
Winchester Model 1873 44-40 circa 1886
November 7, 2015
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Only a hint; from what I’ve read the 38-55 had some fame as a long-range target round and the 1885 seems well suited to the same type of shooting. I don’t know what, if any, specific discipline this rifle and cartridge was popular for but there was a lot of informal target shooting going on in those days. I’d guess that tang sight is good for at least 1000 yards so it’s a safe bet Mr. Hirt didn’t buy this rifle to keep rabbits out of the garden or foxes out of the hen house.
I’m a lever gun guy like you, Kevin, but I think I need a nice 1885 just to experience the rifle that got the ball rolling for JMB.
The No. 3 barrel was the standard size/weight barrel for the Model 1885 high-wall rifles. The 30-inch length was also standard for the many of the center fire cartridge. If you wanted a “heavy” barrel, you ordered a No. 4. If you wanted an “extra heavy” barrel, you ordered a No. 5.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
The No. 3 barrel was the standard size/weight barrel for the Model 1885 high-wall rifles. The 30-inch length was also standard for the many of the center fire cartridge. If you wanted a “heavy” barrel, you ordered a No. 4. If you wanted an “extra heavy” barrel, you ordered a No. 5.
Bert
Bert, you have any 85s w/#5 barrels in your collection?
Winchester Model 1873 44-40 circa 1886
Kevin Jones said
Bert, you have any 85s w/#5 barrels in your collection?
No, I do not (yet). I do have a very early production high-wall (serial number 1727) that has the thick-side octagon top frame in 40-70 Sharps Straight that has a #4 barrel. It is also stamped “BROWNING BROS. ODGEN U.T.” on the top barrel flat right behind the Winchester marking. It was 1 of 14 identical rifles that were shipped to John Browning in partial payment for the patent rights to the Model 1885.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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