The accompanying factory letter confirms several special order features presented on this high condition deluxe variation of a Winchester Model 1885 High Wall Schuetzen rifle. These confirmed features included the no. 4 half octagon matted barrel in .32-40, double set triggers, checkered pistol grip stock, Swiss cheek piece, midrange and wind gauge sights and no rear sight seat. The letter also states the rifle was received in the warehouse on January 9, 1892, and shipped on January 19, 1892, with two other arms to order number 16896. These rifles were incredibly popular among early 20th century competition shooters and deluxe examples like this one are highly sought after by today's collectors. The top barrel flat has the two-line Winchester legend and the upper left flat has the caliber designation to accommodate the matting. Winchester factory matted barrels are rare. As Winchester expert and author George Madis pointed out, "Matted barrels were produced in very limited numbers." As confirmed in the factory letter, the rifle is fitted with a windage adjustable globe front sight and a mid range folding tang peep sight, and there is no rear sight dovetail. The lever and buttplate are plated in nickel. The receiver is casehardened. The barrel is blued. The checkered forearm and pistol grip stock are nicely figured deluxe walnut. The forearm has an ebony tip insert and a tuning fork palm rest. The buttstock has a right handed cheek piece. The left side of the lower tang is marked "601 XXX SBC." The stock inlet is numbered to the gun ("53206"). Includes a Mike Clark of Collectors Firearms letter referencing this rifle.

Very fine. The barrel retains 80% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance and a few cleaned patches of spotting. The frame retains 85% original case colors. The unusual period custom lever and buttplate retain 97% period applied nickel finish with typical high edge wear. The wood is fine with a repaired chip on the forearm (left side at the breech), some minor handling marks, and recut checkering. Mechanically fine.