How much money is my buddy sitting on?

Rack Ops

While I was at the range today, friend of mine brought out is his "grandpa's old gun"

"Grandpa's old gun" is an 1863 Springfield that was converted to a trapdoor (I presume by the US Army) and is now chambered in 50-95. His grandpa told him he bought it in chicago in the 1940s for 40 dollars.


Out of curiosity, I've been looking around online to see if I could figure out an idea of what its worth, but have so far come up blank.


BTW, Why the hell don't these things ever fall into MY lap?

fishkiller41

"BTW, Why the hell don't these things ever fall into MY lap?"


I guess our grampaws didn't catch the deals,back when..
I did loose a .22lr sniper trainer ,with all the Nazi markings,and scope mount,to a thief,back in the late 60's![V]
It was a gift (bring back) from my uncle Floyd..[V]

swearengine

If it was an Allin conversion (either first or second type) it would be chambered in 50-70. Condition and pictures would help. Unless what your friend has is a Bannerman special (cobbled together from numerous leftover parts). Bannerman sold a great many surplus specials.

Spider7115

Swearengine is correct; it's .50-70 caliber. A first model Allin conversion is worth the most but it may also be a Model 1868 or 1870. We would really need pics to give an evaluation.

Rack Ops

Its not a 50-70, unless some ammo for that is head-stamped "50-95"

When the gun was bought, it came with a handful of rounds....all of which have been fired except for 5. He can't find any more, so he won't shoot the gun (maybe a good idea)

I'm not a firearms grader, but I'd say the gun is in fair condition. Stock is well worn, surface rust on the barrel. Everything seems to function as it should.


I don't have any pics of it, and am not looking for an exact appraisal, just a range of what they've been known to go for. Any way to tell one conversion series from the others?


At any rate, I've learned a little bit today. I had no idea the gov't did conversion jobs on the 'ol Springfield.

swearengine

The first model Allin conversions were made on 1861 muskets and the second model conversions were done on 1863 muskets. The lock will show the year, 1865 on first model, 1863 or 1864 on second model with breechblock stamped 1866. They were chambered in 58 rimfire in the first model and 50-70 government in the second model. Your friends 50-95 is a rechamber job. The range of value is 600 dollars for good condition; no surface rust; to 3500 dollars for fine; almost pristine. The length of the barrel on the first model is 37 3/4 inches from the breech face. On the second model it is 36 5/8 inches from the breech face. there are variations with shorter barrels but you should beware of fakes. You should also see at the muzzle face the circle denoting where the liner has been installed in a second model.

BHAVIN

The 50-95 cases may have been cut down to 50-70 for the load.

KEVD18

i would say that unless your buddy runs his life into the ground and has already sole everything else to pay the bills; its probably worth more as both a relic and an heirloom than any money it could bring.