This is a very attractive special order example of a Winchester deluxe Model 1885 Schuetzen rifle that was manufactured in 1897. The included factory letter lists the rifle in .32-40 caliber, with a No. 4 weight 30 inch octagon barrel, Schuetzen set trigger, mid-range vernier and wind gauge sights, "no rear seat", and a checkered pistol grip stock with a Swiss buttplate when received at the warehouse on 22 June 1897 and shipped the same day in order number 8699. There is a later applied Winchester factory oval proof visible on the receiver ring, indicating that this rifle was returned to the factory. The two line address and patent date marking is visible on the top flat of the barrel, partially obscured by the front scope block, caliber marking on the upper left flat at the breech, and the "4" barrel weight mark is on the bottom flat just in front of the forearm. The serial number is marked on the lower tang. The left side of the lower tang is marked "4009XXX CPM 687" (4009 scored out), and "4009" is repeated on the buttstock under the buttplate. The barrel is fitted with a globe "wind gauge" front sight and two scope blocks, with the rings on the scope blocks fitted with an included Winchester A5 scope. There is a mid-range peep sight fitted on the upper tang. It is mounted with a nicely figured, H-pattern checkered, Schnabel tip forearm with ebony insert and a palm rest, as well as a checkered pistol grip stock with cheek piece and a nickeled Swiss buttplate. It is equipped with double set "Schuetzen" set triggers.

Very fine, the barrel retains 90% plus of the original blue finish with some light edge/muzzle wear, 85% plus of the factory refinished blue on the receiver, and traces of the vibrant original case colors on the lever with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina. The wood is also very fine with a few scattered minor handling marks, retaining almost all of the varnish, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The scope retains most of the blue finish with slightly dirty optics and a crisp cross hair. A very attractive example of a special order Winchester deluxe Model 1885 rifle!