This very early production flat sided Winchester Model 1885 High Wall musket is chambered in scarce .45-90 Sharps and would have made for the perfect companion to hunt 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 states the musket was received in the warehouse on January 16, 1886, shipped on January 16, 1886 and shipped again on September 27, 1889 and lists the following features: 32 inch no. 1 round barrel in .45 2 4/10 caliber, plain trigger (currently a set trigger, like fitted when it was returned to the factory), military front and Hotchkiss military rear windgauge sights, Hotchkiss pattern musket forearm, "Swiveled," and "R. Butt." Early production features include the flat sided receiver, forearm without finger groove, and two barrel bands. The barrel is marked with the two-line Winchester address ahead of the rear sight and caliber designation ("45 SHARPS 2 4/10") at the breech. The upper tang is drilled and tapped for sight mounting. The lower tang has the patent date marking and serial number. The replacement buttstock is fitted with a shotgun type buttplate (the letter calls for "R.Butt.)

Good, displaying a mottled gray patina of a well traveled firearm. The revarnished wood is very good with scattered minor handling marks. Set trigger needs work, otherwise action functions properly. A very early flat side Winchester Model 1885 High Wall musket in scarce .45-90 Sharps that saw authentic use. A Model 1885 in this configuration is missing from the most advanced collections.