Winchester Model 1873 (1895) .44

[Christophe Noel]

I figure there are enough gun experts here, you might be able to help me get a rough assessment of a rifle I have. It's been in my family as far back as 1902, as best I can tell.

It is a Winchester Model 1873 with the octagon barrel. Judging by the serial number, my best guess is it was made in early 1895. I'd say condition is good, if I'm conservative. The wood is in good shape. The bluing is a tad distressed in spots. Not bad for 116 years old, I guess.

Any idea what it's worth? Ballpark?

 

[bcrez]

Search gunbroker.com for similar rifle... i saw anywhere from $1800-$6k. KEEP IT IN THE FAMILY! When trees are gone and the only thing man makes himself are poops, you will be glad you did.

 

[ol' scott]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure that's a rare rifle you've got there. I recall one much like that on Pawn Stars awhile back and they were pretty infatuated with the gun and it's history. Certainly do some more research and try to keep it in the family. Pictures are always nice :sombrero:

 

[Bullsnake]

HANG ONTO IT!!!

I just purchased a .44 like yours from a Dr. here locally that had it in the family since the late 1800's. He actually had an old picture of his great grandmother with the gun on the front porch of their ranch in Montana holding the gun and a coyote! He ended up taking it to a local sporting goods store (Scheel's) and they offered him $2000.00 for it on trade-exactly what I ended up paying him for it after spending an hour trying to talk him into keeping it!

Even if you aren't a firearms fanatic, that is part of your heritage. I have my Grandfather's .410 and .22 that he purchased from Sears back in 1920 with funds that he earned from trapping beavers. If I had to move into my truck with the family those would be the LAST things I would sell!

Having said that, they are worth quite a bit these days, and as stated earlier Gun Broker would be a good place to get a bead on what they are bringing these days.

 

[Desert Dan]

Keep it for sure!
Maybe get a modern replica revolver pistol of the same caliber to go with it!

 

[PirateMcGee]

I believe the best possible option would be to give it to me

 

[Klierslc]

Meh,

Those are a dime a dozen. I'll trade you an 04 Lemond Nevada city for it.....









J/k,

I would love to have one of those--I don't know the proce range, but I know it is more than I have to spend...

 

[Maximus Ram]

PICS !!:wings:

 

[Mr. Leary]

I agree. Hold onto it. There are lots of reproductions, but the originals fetch a good price when they go to auction. A friend of mine sold his for around $6500... he sold it right after Obama went into office (and the subsequent gun paranoia by collectors).

 

[Christophe Noel]

Thank you for the replies. I may hang onto this rifle, but it has very little value to me. Knowing it had minimal intrisic value to the previous owners in my family, it's been little more than closet fodder for decades. I would like to see it go to someone who can appreciate it and care for it accordingly.

How is gun condition assessed?

 

[Mr. Leary]

Thank you for the replies. I may hang onto this rifle, but it has very little value to me. Knowing it had minimal intrisic value to the previous owners in my family, it's been little more than closet fodder for decades. I would like to see it go to someone who can appreciate it and care for it accordingly.

How is gun condition assessed?

Take it to an independent appraisor. I would check with two or three to make sure they don't miss anything unique that may add value.

 

[Bullsnake]

I agree with Mr Leary-on a gun as special as this I would take it to a few different places for an appraisal. Unfortunately most (definitely not all!) gun shops these days aren't the most reputable places to asses a guns value, and I wouldn't even bother going to a gun shop until you have an idea of exactly what the gun is worth.

Gun Broker and Guns America would also be a good place to watch for awhile and see what guns similar to yours are trading for. There are a few different ways to asses the condition of the gun and that would also fall under a good appraiser's area of expertise. At this level I would also add that a good gun with nice patina and good condition will be worth more than a 100 point gun that got that way through a full restoration and refurbishment. As much grief as everyone has given you about keeping it (myself included!) it's still your decision to make as to whether or not you want to hang onto it. If it has been in your family for generations though I would look at it the same as a piece of jewelry that has been handed down through the generations or the family home. When that gun was new it was a necessity to live a life that most of us here seek out to try and recapture with our expeditions. Life was simple and that .44 was just as much a part of life as a draft horse, carriage, or farming implement.

 

[ssc45]

It is never a bad thought to have it appraised. However, the 73 is not some rare rifle. They made quite a few and 44-40 was very popular. You can review the blue book of gun values for some info. One of the best sources of info is a reference quide known as Flayderman's. I have played with a few and unless it has a documented story or a unique make up or is a 1of 100 or maybe 1000( it has been a long time since I was into levers), then the condition will probably dictate the price.

Regards, Steve

 

[Christophe Noel]

I just got an appraisal by a reputable collector, and former museum curator. He had two similar rifles in his collection, so I felt like I was in the right spot to get a good appraisal. His estimation was $2200-2400. He did mention the '73 wasn't a rare rifle, but mine is in "appropriate" condition for a gun that had been used at some point.

Okay....now how do I find a buyer? How in the world does a schmoe like me sell this thing?

Gentlemen, I truly understand why many of you think I should keep it. Currently my house is full of antiques and heirlooms that have been in my family for over 120 years. This gun however, really didn't seem to have much appeal to anyone. Everything we have has a story, this gun, not so much. I'm okay with letting it go.

How do I do it?

 

[ssc45]

You can go online and look up gun/antique auctions. Lever gun forums, SASS forum, gun broker, guns america, or go to a gun show. Little Johns auction in So Cal. If you just want it gone, go to the local gun stores and or local gun range and post a for sale sign. If SASS competition is local, go to a shoot and advertise.

Good luck, Steve