Manufactured 1887, this is a fine example of a Winchester Model 1885 High Wall rifle chambered in the scarce and desirable .40-110 Express caliber. Bert Hartman's survey in the Winter 2021 edition of "The Winchester Collector" indicates that only 209 rifles were made in .40 Express (.40-110). These Winchester 1885s were based on the earlier design by the legendary John Browning and were offered in a plethora of configurations and calibers, with .40 Express being one of the more rare offerings. A rifle in this caliber would have been highly valued in the American west for its accuracy, simplicity, and power, with the .40 Express being quite capable of dispatching even the most dangerous game the frontier had to offer. Given the British proofs and London Armoury cartouche on this example, it appears that this same accuracy and power were also highly valued on the distant frontiers of the British Empire in the late 19th century, and was likely acquired by a British officer for hunting while deployed in a distant land. The included factory letter lists the rifle as having its serial number applied on October 28, 1887, and lists it in .40 Express caliber with a No. 3 weight 30 inch round barrel, plain trigger, and a shotgun buttplate when received at the warehouse on November 10, 1887 and shipped on November 17, 1887 in order number 24024. The barrel is marked with the "3" weight on the bottom in front of the forearm, while the two-line address and "40 EX." caliber marking are on top. There are British proof marks on the left of the barrel and receiver at the breech. There is a London Armoury/James Kerr & Co. cartouche on the right side of the stock. The lower tang has the patent marking and the serial number. It is fitted with a "Rocky Mountain" blade front sight and an elevation adjustable notch rear sight. It is mounted with a smooth Schnabel tip forearm with an ebony insert and a straight grip stock with a smooth shotgun buttplate.

Fine, retains 70% of the thinned original blue finish and 85% plus of the original case colors with some brown freckling/spotting scattered throughout, a couple patches of polished mild pitting/oxidation near the muzzle, and the buttplate a brown patina with mild pitting/oxidation. The wood is very fine with some scattered minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. A fine example of a Model 1885 High Wall rifle in the seldom seen .40 Express!