Manufactured in 1889, this is an exceptionally fine example of the John Moses Browning designed, Winchester Model 1885 falling block rifle. These rifles were based on Browning's very first firearm design and went on to be an extremely successful model for Winchester well into the 20th century, particularly among competitive target shooters, who valued the extensive list of special order options available on these rifles. A rifle such as this one would have been a treasured piece for a turn of the century off-hand target shooter. The included factory letter lists this rifle in .32-40 caliber with a No. 3 weight, 30 inch, half-octagon barrel, a set trigger, and a checkered pistol grip stock when received at the warehouse on 4 September 1889, and shipped on 14 September 1889 in order number 1315. The top barrel flat is marked with the standard two-line address and the caliber marking at the breech. The "3" barrel weight marking is on the bottom of the barrel just in front of the forearm and again under the forearm. The lower tang is marked with the single line patent date and the serial number. The left side of the lower tang is marked with the assembly number "2813 XXX", and the stock inlet is marked "2813". It is fitted with a windage adjustable globe front sight, a blank filler in the rear sight dovetail, and a mid-range Vernier peep sight mounted on the upper tang. It is mounted with a very finely figured, H-pattern checkered forearm and pistol grip stock with an ebony insert at the base of the grip and a replacement nickeled Swiss buttplate. Provenance: The Felix A. Bedlan Collection