Very Early Winchester Model 1885 Low Wall Rifle (2nd Year of Production)

erial #4277, .32 RF Long, 26" octagon barrel with a very good bore that has light freckling and pitting within the grooves. This is an 1886-made rifle that has the early grooved-top receiver, thick-paneled frame, and "high block" breechblock. The barrel has a mellow plum-brown patina with areas of thin freckling along its length. Some fading is present at the muzzle, as well as along the edges of the barrel facets. Areas of bright original blue are still present on protected areas as well. The receiver has an overall mottled gray patina with muted color case-hardening still visible, but the lever and hammer have turned to an overall dull brown color. The schnabel-tipped forend and straight wrist buttstock are in very good shape with only scattered handling marks and surface blemishes scattered about the old added oil finish, however there is some chips missing from around the tip of the lower wrist tang, and some further surface damage around the head of the forend screw. The rifle is equipped with a period globe front sight that will not stay in place and it is mated to a more recent barrel-mounted rear sight. The action is tight and fully functional. This is a very good example of an early production Low Wall Winchester, with desirable early features. Antique