This is a set of model of parts from the Winchester tool room and used for development and a standardization of fitting for the many different configurations that the Model 1885 was available in. The included copy of the article "Variations of the Model 1885 Winchester" by Lawrence Jones in "American Single Shot Rifle News" from Sept.-Oct. 1994 notes that the parts in this set "were used to check the production gauges to help maintain manufacturing tolerances" and notes they are all marked "M" for "Model." Another typed document by an unknown author from when the set was sold to Jones with Winchester-Western Division letterhead cover and closing pages discusses the set and indicates for each model Winchester produced a complete set of "Model" parts and that the fixtures and gauges for the models were then based on these sets. "In other words the 'Model' parts were the early substitutes for product drawings and were the only thing that insured interchangeability of parts. . . For each product or product variation only one 'Model' for each part could exist, since to duplicate any 'Model' would introduce tolerance variations which would negate the concept of the 'Model' parts control. The model parts were considered extremely valuable as they were the only true definition of the product. Several of the 'Model' parts for the M-1873 have been on display in the Winchester Museum for years." The author also states they owned the set since 1964 and they had never before been photographed or displayed publicly" and "The set of 'Model' parts contains many variations of receivers, finger levers, links, triggers, barrel stubs, ejectors and all [miscellaneous] pins, springs, screws and small parts. All parts are identified with an 'M' for 'Model' and many have hand-written identification tags with notes explaining modifications, etc. These tags are dated and are from the turn of the century. Included with the parts are the original fitted black wooden boards in which the parts were stored." Also included is a "S S"/Memoranda" notebook containing many Model 1885 rifle serial numbers and dates starting at the end of May 1914 and ending in January 1945. Included in the set are four unfinished receivers of different sizes (two low wall and two high wall). One of the low wall receivers is unmarked except for "M" on the lower tang with the other marked "M.S.S. No. 2/Style A." Both of the high wall receivers are marked "M.S.S. No. 3", one having the addition of "STYLE A." Also included are a selection of breechblocks, various trigger styles, a selection of takedown collars, four short barrel samples for testing thread size and pattern (all smoothbore and approximately 3" long), as well as a multitude of small parts, often of many different styles. "M.S.S.", believed to stand for "Model Single Shot", is a reoccurring marking on many of the parts throughout this set. Many of the parts show that marking along with a further identifier of the parts purpose and style. Also included is a small box containing paper tags with identifying or developmental information pertaining to the various parts. Many of the parts are contained on blocks of wood cut in a "French fit" style. This is an incredibly important model set, an element missing from nearly all of even many of the most extensive of Winchester or Model 1885 collections.

Overall the set is very fine as in factory development/tool condition with most parts presented "in the white" and displaying only the level of finish necessary for fitting and development. There are some small patches of brown or darker grey patina scattered throughout the various parts. As noted in the documents, "This set of 'Model' parts would make an outstanding contribution to any fine Winchester collection. It could be displayed in a number of ways and is indeed the rarest of the rare. It is impossible to believe that these parts were not handled many times by Browning, Bennet, Mason and Johnson."