The included Winchester factory letter shows it was originally shipped on May 15, 1905, and then returned for repairs (we think reworked) and reshipped February 14, 1906. The letter supports the configuration as a single shot rifle in 22 Short with a 28 inch #2 octagon barrel, no rear sight barrel seat, Swiss buttplate and Lyman rear cup disc sight with the Pope style windage adjustable, target head. Interestingly, the letter states that the globe front sight was supplied by the customer. Currently, the rifle has several additional special order/deluxe features not identified by the letter that we feel were installed during the "repair and return" phase noted in the factory letter. It now has a Winchester factory single set trigger, Winchester spur lever trigger guard for a DST, and smooth pistol grip stock with second model Winchester pattern nickel plated buttplate. The forend was at one time fitted for a palm rest as there are two small holes on the underside where the base would have been attached; however, it has been removed and is not included with the rifle. The pistol grip is fitted with a Winchester grip cap, and the forend has the standard ebony insert into the front end. Based on the originality of this rifle, we are certain the additional features not covered in the original factory letter were installed in that return and repair period. Additionally, this rifle has a very interesting combination of special features, like the standard walnut wood, pistol grip stock but no checkering, a single set trigger with a double set trigger spur lever and the customer supplied front sight; its almost like the original owner wanted some special order features for target/Schuetzen shooting but could only afford certain features. Regardless, the rifle has remained in exceptional condition for the last 118 years!

Extremely fine with 90% plus original blue finish, edge and high spot wear, and some flaking on the right side of the upper part of the receiver. The breech block and hammer retain 40% factory case colors, while the spur lever retains 75% case colors with the balance a silver patina. The stock and forend are fine with 90% factory varnish overall and some minor handling marks and light dings on the sides in various areas, and the left side of the stock has numerous light scratches/indents in the wood, which was probably from a lapel pin or button that rubbed against the stock during shooting. Mechanically excellent. A very interesting and unusual special order Winchester Model 1885 rifle.