Manufactured in 1908. This is an incredible example of a deluxe, highly optioned, special order, John Ulrich signed and master factory engraved Winchester Model 1885 high wall Schuetzen rifle. This rifle represents not only the top of the line in Winchester target rifles but also an early 20th century artistic masterpiece by arguably the company's most gifted artisan. John Ulrich was a master engraver at Winchester from about 1869 to 1920, and most of the signed engraved masterpieces during that period bear his signature. This specific rifle is pictured on p. 172 of "The Book of Winchester Engraving", listed as part of The Mac McCroskie Collection, where Ulrich's signature, the style of engraving, and many of the rifle's features are noted. Given the popularity of the model as a personalized target rifle, special order configurations in the Model 1885 are seen more often than in many of Winchester's other models; however, seeing one of them with this many scarce, deluxe, special order features is a true rarity, making for a rifle that is almost certainly one-of-a-kind. Noted Winchester historian and author George Madis lists the relative rarity of some of these options in "The Winchester Book". He states that one out of every 310 had a non-standard barrel, one of every 27 had a part round barrel, one of every 2,100 had a heavier or lighter barrel than standard, one of every 260 had a pistol grip, one of every 400 had special buttplates, one of every 30 had a set trigger, one of every 300 had special wood, and only one out of every 2,690 was engraved or inscribed, making this rifle with its plethora of special order and deluxe features very likely factory exhibition piece, a true product of excellence. The factory letter included with this rifle reads like a wish-list of all the highly desirable special order options that were available on these single shot rifles. It states that the serial number was applied on 17 July 1908 and lists the rifle in .25-20 caliber with a matted octagon barrel of No. 3 weight with engraving at the muzzle and platinum bands inlaid at the muzzle and breech. The octagon barrel listing is likely a factory notation error, as the part octagon barrel appears original and shows all the other special features noted. The letter goes on to list "$10" engraving in the No. 6 style including screw heads, hammer, front and rear sights, top of the breech block, and the lever; a double Schuetzen trigger set with both triggers checkered, wind gauge front sight with no rear sight seat, a mid-range Vernier peep sight targeted and marked for 50, 100, and 200 yards, a spur finger lever, and an oil finished fancy pistol grip stock carved and checkered in style "D" with a Schuetzen cheekpiece and Helm buttplate. The letter lists that the rifle was received at the warehouse on 21 August 1908 and shipped the same day in order number 151235, and then it was returned to the factory for "repair" on 29 October 1909, which is listed as order number 26314. Two special order features that are not listed in the factory letter are the extremely rare bobbed hammer and the scope blocks which are mounted on the barrel. Both of these options are undoubtedly factory work and were either mistakenly not noted in the ledgers or were additions when the rifle returned to the factory. The writer believes this to simply be an oversight by the factory when originally listed in the ledger. The upper left flat of the barrel is marked with the two-line address and patent dates as well as an offset Winchester factory oval proof and the caliber marking at the breech. There is an offset Winchester factory oval proof on the upper left of the receiver ring, and the three-line patent date and Winchester trademark are on the upper tang. The lower tang is marked with the serial number, patent date, and Winchester Master Engraver John Ulrich's "J.ULRICH" signature between the two triggers. The left side of the lower tang is marked "5448 U.S.O", with "5448" repeated on the butt of the stock under the buttplate and on the inside of the buttplate. The receiver features extensive scroll engraving by John Ulrich in the Winchester No. 6 style which features panel scenes of a bighorn sheep and a whitetail buck on the left and right respectively. The engraving continues with flourishes of scroll on the lever, back side of the hammer, top of the breech block, the buttplate, nearly all the screw heads, and on the barrel and the muzzle at the breech, which also have inlaid platinum bands. The rifle is fitted with a windgauge front sight with a spirit level, two factory mounted scope blocks on the octagonal section of the barrel, and a mid-range Vernier peep sight on the upper tang. It is mounted with an exceptionally finely figured forearm and pistol grip stock which are checkered and relief carved in the Winchester "D" style that features oak leaves and acorns. The buttstock has a hard rubber pistol grip cap, large Schuetzen cheekpiece, and a blued Helm buttplate. This rifle shows an incredibly scarce configuration, even for a model very often seen personalized with special order features, and is truly a piece of early 20th century art by one of Winchester's most legendary master engravers, John Ulrich. Provenance: The Mac McCroskie Collection; Private Collection

Excellent, retains 95% plus of the original blue finish and 60% of the case colors with some slight thinning showing a smooth grey patina. The buttplate is mostly a brown/blue flaked mix. The wood is also excellent with some scattered light handling marks along with crisp carving and checkering. Mechanically excellent. This is one of the most highly optioned special order Winchester Model 1885 rifles that the writer has ever seen. Do not miss this opportunity to add a piece of early 20th century, John Ulrich, Winchester, and American art to your collection!