Gun Value Question

Leveraction

I have come across two guns and need some help pricing them. The first is a 32-20 Winchester, looks pretty old but seems to be in good working condition, rifelings look pretty good. There are some nicks on the wood but not anything major.

The second is a W.Wellington 8780, double barrel cap and ball, it is in really good condition with some nice etchings on both sides.

Any idea how much these might be worth?

nmyers

We really don't have enough information to hazard even a wild guess. The exact model, condition, repairs, etc. are important. I think that we would need to see some high quality photos in order to help.

Neal

Bert H.

Hello Leveraction...

It would really help to know what type of firearm & action the 32-20 is. Winchester manufactured a fair number of different Models in that cartridge (1873, 1885, 1892, 53, 65, 43, etc.), not to mention several other manufacturers that chambered it in various firearms. I don't know squat about the scattergun you mention.

Bert H.

Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!

Leveraction

For some reason the guy won't let me take pics of the guns, I will try to get some numbers off the leveraction 32-20 next time I'm in his store.

Contender Man

If the owner will not cooperate w/ you tell him you can't help him as there is little we, or members of other forums can do for you without solid reference information, and pictures, especially of the older arms are very important.



If you only have time to do two things so-so, or one thing well ... do the one thing!

Leveraction

http://antique-gun-auction.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=17737619

I believe this is the same model gun, the one i'm looking at has a little more ware/damage in the wood.

Is this auction price pretty close or is it a little high?

Bert H.

Hello Leveraction...

So, it is a Model 1873 in 32 W.C.F. The auction you pointed to is a little on the high side for that rifle. A good friend of mine recently bought an identical rifle (condition & caliber) for $750... which was a little on the low side. My personal thoughts on the value of that rifle... about $950. If it were a 44 W.C.F., the value would be about double.

Bert H.

Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!

Leveraction

Thanks for the info, the guy is asking $850 for it and I thought that was a little to high but was not sure.

Bert H.

Hello Leveraction...

$850 is a real fair price for a 100% complete & functional Model 1873. You won't ever lose any money on the deal, as the value on that old Winnie will only go up with time. My recommendation would be to buy it and don't look back.

Bert H.

Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!

Leveraction

I went back and found a number on the gun, does this help identify/price it?

#289786B Win. 32cal.

Bert H.

quote:Originally posted by Leveraction
I went back and found a number on the gun, does this help identify/price it?

#289786B Win. 32cal.


Not really... we already knew it was a 32 W.C.F., and the serial number just dates the manufacture date to circa 1888.

For a Wincheter Model 1873 (which is a very common firearm... over 720,000 of them were made), the primary factors in determining an approximate value are

(1) The condition (how much of the original factory finish remains, and how good the bore is),

(2) the originality (parts and finish... reblued/refinished examples are the kiss-of-death for collectability in most cases, and replaced barrels, stocks, etc. are dimly viewed), and

(3) the presence of special order options (e.g. set trigger, 1/2 octagon barrel, longer or shorter than standard barrel lengths, deluxe wood, checkered stocks, pistol grip stock, engraving, special plating, etc.).

(4) the caliber... those chambered for 44 W.C.F. are the most desirable, followed by the 38 W.C.F., and then the 32 W.C.F. The 22 Rimfire variants are also very desirable.

Hope this helped to explain things just a bit.


Bert H.

Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!

Leveraction

Thanks Bert H. for all the feedback, your input was very helpfull!