Rob, very nice rifle. These "Hiwalls with a Lowall barrel" aren't as rare as you'd think. I have one (made in 1896 but still with a flatspring action) in .38-40; 28" oct. #1 weight barrel. They certainly have a nice balance!
Mike, does your rifle with #1 barrel have the little scallop/groove down the top center of the ring, like many low walls?
If you'll notice, Rob's rifle does not have the firing pin retaining screw in the top of the block. The early firing pins were retained by a transverse pin running across the width of the block, hidden until disassembled. The first few thousand 1885s used this design, it was changed well before the 9,xxx mark. Similarly the octagon-top flare-side frames are usually not seen in any but the very earliest rifles. Rob's rifle is the earliest non-Bubbaed 1885 that I've ever personally handled, showing no evidence of any changes other than the sights. Certainly a rifle to cherish!
Regards, Joe
