Desirable London Armoury Retailed Winchester Model 1885 High Wall Single Shot Rifle in Rare .40-110 Express with Factory Letter

This Winchester Model 1885 High Wall rifle, manufactured in 1887, is a fine and rare example chambered in the scarce and highly desirable .40-110 Express caliber. According to Bert Hartman’s survey published in the Winter 2021 edition of The Winchester Collector, only 209 rifles were made in this caliber, making it a coveted piece for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Designed by the legendary John Browning, the Model 1885 offered remarkable accuracy, simplicity, and power, qualities that made the .40 Express especially valued on the American frontier for hunting and protection. The presence of British proof marks and a London Armoury cartouche on the stock suggests this rifle likely served a British officer, prized for its performance in the far reaches of the British Empire during the late 19th century.

The factory letter confirms the rifle’s serial number was applied on October 28, 1887. It was ordered with a No. 3 weight, 30-inch round barrel, plain trigger, and shotgun buttplate. Received at the warehouse on November 10, 1887, it was shipped shortly after on November 17, 1887, under order number 24024.

Key features include:

• Barrel marked “3” weight on the bottom near the forearm
• Two-line Winchester address and “40 EX.” caliber marking atop the barrel
• British proof marks on the left side of the barrel and receiver at the breech
• London Armoury/James Kerr & Co. cartouche on the right stock side
• Patent marking and serial number on the lower tang
• “Rocky Mountain” blade front sight paired with an elevation adjustable notch rear sight
• Smooth Schnabel tip forearm with an ebony insert
• Straight grip stock finished with a smooth shotgun buttplate

This rifle stands as a rare and historically significant Winchester Model 1885, blending American frontier craftsmanship with British colonial heritage—a true collector’s treasure.