This well cared for special order heavy barrel Winchester Model 1885 rifle in .45-90 Sharps is well suited to have hunted big game such as moose, bison and elk. In "The Winchester Single-Shot" author John Campbell identified .45-90 Sharps among the rarest calibers of the Model 1885: "These very rare chamberings, among others, are known to exist. Virtually all were unavailable in normal production. Others were available on an extremely limited basis or through custom order" (see page 97). The accompanying factory letter confirms the 32 inch no. 5 round barrel in .45 2 4/10 caliber, plain trigger, mid-range and windgauge sights, and shotgun butt as well as received in the warehouse on February 13, 1897 and shipped on February 16. The barrel is stamped with the two-line Winchester address ahead of the rear sight and the caliber designation ("45 2 4/10") at the breech. The rifle is fitted with a windgauge adjustable globe front sight, an elevation adjustable rear sight, and Vernier mid-range tang sight. The Schnabel tip forearm with an ebony insert and straight grip stock are plain walnut, and the buttstock is fitted with a blued steel shotgun buttplate and hand stamped on the belly of the stock with the number "289" behind the lower tang.

Exceptionally fine. The barrel retains 90% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance, some very scattered spotting, and some abrasive scratches at the breech. The buttplate retains 50% original blue finish. The receiver retains 85% plus original case colors. The remaining surfaces retain 60% original case colors. The wood is excellent with some very scattered minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. A highly attractive special order heavy barrel Winchester Model 1885 High Wall rifle in scarce .45-90 Sharps that is missing from even the most advanced collections.