Bot. a Winchester 1885 in 45-70 and wonder what scope to put on it.Think a short 1x5 or so would look better than a 3x9 or so. I don't want to hurt the looks of the rifle with a monster scope.

personally, I would not put a scope on that particular gun. What do you intend on using it for?

Those are good looking rifles. Low power scope should be plenty and not ruin the looks.

I grew up in Carthage so i know the 50-70 yard pop shots your taking. I also know those pipelines can open up to some long shots too. If i were you id be after a 2-7 power kinda like this
http://www.imarketcity.com/baac2rise1in.html

Leupold 2.5x 28mm

In Louisiama & Mississippi they opened the primitative season up to old style rifles in 45-70. I hunt in the Central Louisiana swamp lands. My son missed a good deer last year shooting open sights just before dark and I learn from his mistakes. Average shot is 50 yards but could be 150. After looking at a cartrige I know I would hate to get hit by a 45-70. I know it's where you put the bullet not it's size that makes a clean kill but some of these deer can weigh 250 lbs..

There are some really good 2.5x7 and 2.5x8 power scopes out there.

A scope is great for low light situations. Power has nothing to do with the amount of light getting to your eye. That is determined by the quality of the optical system and the size of the objective lens. You usually get what you pay for.