Lot 3052

Schoyen Denver Winchester Model 1885 High Wall Rifle

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Schoyen Denver Winchester Model 1885 High Wall Rifle

Estimate: $4,500 - $6,500

Starting Bid: $4,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 23, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Highly Attractive George Schoyen Denver, Colorado, Winchester Model 1885 High Wall Single Shot Schuetzen Rifle Originally manufactured in 1906, this Winchester Model 1885 High Wall rifle made its way to the legendary Denver, Colorado shop of George C. Schoyen, where it was rechambered for .38-55 W.C.F. and outfitted for competitive shooting. Schoyen arrived in the United States from Norway just after the Civil War, first settling in Chicago but being burned out by the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. From there, Schoyen migrated across the wild American West to Denver, where he was first employed at the famous gun shop Gove's Denver Armory, and later establishing his own shop where he produced highly regarded single shot rifles, primarily for competition shooting. This particular rifle is a fantastic example of the high quality of work being done at the Schoyen shop. The original No. 4 weight Winchester barrel has the standard two-line address, caliber marking at the breech, and weight marking on the bottom, while the "GEO. C. SCHOYEN DENVER, COLO." marking and "38" have been added near the breech. The serial number is marked on the lower tang. It is fitted with a No. 67 type globe front sight, a blank filler in the rear sight dovetail, two scope blocks partially blocking the barrel address and caliber marking (likely period installed by Schoyen), a graduated Vernier type peep sight on the upper tang, a finger groove lever, and double set triggers. It is mounted with a large Schnabel tip forearm with palm rest installed and four additional holes, as well as a very nicely figured, large, high comb, Schuetzen type pistol grip buttstock with a cheekpiece and Swiss type buttplate.

Manufacturer: Winchester

Model: 1885

BBL: 29 3/4 inch heavy octagon

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 38-55 WCF

Finish: blue/casehardened

Serial Number103038

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

  • Condition: Very fine as configured and refurbished in the legendary Denver shop of George Schoyen, retaining 99% of the blue finish and 75% plus of the vibrant case colors with the balance mostly grey patina and attractively aged patina on the brass buttplate. The wood is also very fine with a few scattered very light handling marks. Mechanically excellent.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000