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November 2, 2025
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I recently purchased an 1888 Winchester Model 1885 High Wall in .40-70 SS and am considering ordering a Cody factory letter once I have the rifle in hand and can verify the serial number 22154 and markings.
My primary interest is whether surviving records from this period sometimes identify the original shipping destination, dealer, or consignee.
This rifle is reported to have a “Browning Brothers, Ogden UT” barrel stamp, which naturally raises the question of whether a Cody letter might document shipment to Browning Brothers in Ogden, Utah.
For members who have ordered Cody letters on 1880s High Walls:
• How often do the surviving records include the original shipping destination or dealer?
• Have any of you seen letters documenting shipment to Browning Brothers of Ogden UT?
• If so, what information was provided in the letter?
I realize customer information is not always available in Winchester records, but I would appreciate hearing from collectors with firsthand experience on High Walls of this era.
Thanks in advance for any insights.
βίךך
April 15, 2005
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Bill,
Some might say that I may know a bit about the Winchester Single Shot (a.k.a. Modele 1885) rifles.
To start this off, s/n 22154 was not manufactured and shipped as a 40-70 S.S. As originally manufactured, it was a 45-70 with a 32-inch No. 3 octagon barrel. It was not ever returned for an R & R, which indicates that it was not rebarreled by Winchester.
In answer to your question about shipping destinations, it is extremely rare to find a record with that information.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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