1873 winchester, whats it worth

[sabbatus]

i am thinking about parting with my 1873 rifle, built in 1889in cal 38/40.   Just by looking at the pictures what might it be worth.

[sabbatus]

a few more pics.  and one of a traget shot at 50 yds, with ultramax factory loads

[torpedoman]

  Depends on rarity of caliber, condition of gun, any alterations such as those on the wood are big hits on the value, and just how bad the buyer wants or needs it.

[LONGTOM]

As an avid collector of 73s for over 30 years I can tell you for sure that it won't be much.
There appears to be virtually no finish left on the metal with the exception of the lever, hard to tell for sure and some pitting as well.
I am assuming what appears to be staining on the frame is from the can of Kroil oil?
The big gouge in the barrel don't help none!
The additions to the wood (unless done by someone famous back in the 1800s and documented) may add value to a novice collector, as eye appeal only, but it does little, if not detract from a collectors stand point.
Depending on various things like barrel length (standard was 24" round), standard or adjustable trigger (appears to be standard) deluxe sights (appears to be standard on the rear and possibly a replacement), with standard walnut wood that has been carved.
While this is an interesting gun, in todays market I would place a value of $600.00 to $1000.00 tops.
I wouldn't pay the top price because of the condition of the metal and all the changes made to it.
The only thing it has going for it is the fact that 38-40 was a little rarer than the 44-40 or the 32-20.
Looks like a nice shooter and for that it is well suited but as a collector it would do for someone just starting until they could find one in better condition.
Just my opinion!
Others may say differently.




LONGTOM

[sabbatus]

longtom,   thanks for the input,  that staining though is old, and who knows what from as the kroil has not touched this rifle.  when wiped down i give it a light coat of remoil.

[LONGTOM]

longtom,   thanks for the input,  that staining though is old, and who knows what from as the kroil has not touched this rifle.  when wiped down i give it a light coat of remoil.

That doesn't help either.
It would sell for a shooter or for parts at the lower price.
Good luck.



LONGTOM

[eastbank]

try to find a house auction with a few old guns advertized and get it in,i have seen old winchester rifles alot worst than yours bring 1500-2000 dollars. it,s beyond me why the older guns bring the money they do there. eastbank.

[LONGTOM]

Because you only have a few guns and there are many people.
Some of them just get caught up in the action of the sale while sometimes it is family members or friends either trying to keep the other from having it or just helping out on the money end for the family.
I have been there and done that also.
Many of them don't even have an idea of what they are worth and don't care.
It was Granddads and I am going to have it!
It is part of the family.

I got one like that, and you ain't got enough money to buy it just for that reason!!!

A few years back a friend of mine passed away and at his estate auction they sold his guns.
He had a total of 4 Winchester levers (2 model 1892s and  2 model 1894s) all of them pretty rough.
A newer Colt 22 single action and a rough (and I do mean ROUGH)  Henry rifle.
Parts broken or missing, pitted and rusted with very rough wood and NO finish.
This thing was in about 10% condition and that is being generous!
I started the bidding at $3000.00 and 4 of us bid it to $7200.00 where I dropped out.
That was more than it was worth for sure.
Another stayed in until $10,000.00 and he quit.
Two old men with lots of money were the only ones left.
I knew one of them and they both had made up their minds that they were going to own that Henry.
The bidding ended at (get ready) $16,000.00 and the man I knew got it.
He was a fool!!!
He could have gotten one a lot nicer for less.
Just goes to show that when you only have one and two people want it things can get a little crazy.



LONGTOM

[jlchucker]

When it comes to guns, sometimes people go crazy at local auctions.  I always thought so, and your post kind of proves it to me. 

[eastbank]

i have found no ressions at the gun shows or auctions i have attended lately. eastbank.