The Model 1885 was designed by John Browning who sold the designs to Winchester. It filled Winchester's need for a more accurate, longer range, and harder hitting rifle than their lever action designs of the time. This early Model 1885 High Wall Flat/Thick Side rifle was manufactured in 1887 and is chambered for the .45-125 Winchester (.45 Express) cartridge which was the longest cartridge available for the Model 1885 and was designed specifically for this model but only available for a few years given it was not a significant improvement over the .45-90. It has a Beach type combination post/globe/blade front sight, "-MANUFACTURED BY THE-/-WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A-" on top of the barrel, "3" barrel weight designation just ahead of the forearm, a three leaf rear sight with platinum sight lines, ".45 EX" on top of the barrel at the breech, London proofs on the upper left of the barrel and receiver at the breech and top of the breechblock, plain trigger, script numeral serial numbers on the lower tang, smooth Schnabel tip forearm with contrasting insert, and straight wrist shotgun buttstock with relatively high comb and smooth casehardened buttplate.

Very fine with 60% plus original blue finish and case colors, light scratches and marks, some minor discoloration, and mottled gray patina on the buttplate. The forearm is very good and has light scratches and dings, minor edge wear, and smooth oiled finish. The buttstock is fine and has some chipping at the front of the wrist, general minor dings and scrapes, a small hole on the left side of the butt, and glossy finish. Mechanically excellent. This is a very solid and attractive example of one of the rarer flat side variations of the Model 1885 series with another bonus of being in an extremely rare caliber.