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Regarding 1894 rifles (1899-1920), with all other details the same, anyone care to comment if one of the options below are valued $ higher than the other. Collectors seem to like octagon barrels but round barrel was roughly only 1 in 4 . Collectors, or at least buyers, seem to like crescent butt but shotgun was an option so does this bring more value. I have no ideal on takedown 1/2 mag or full mag value.
Octagon barrel vrs round barrel.
1/2 mag takedown vrs full mag takedown.
Shot gun butt vrs crescent butt.
AG
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AG,
In terms of what collectors and buyers like, reference your question about barrels and buttplates. Clarence mentioned in the blank-tang thread that, “It’s easy to forget that demand, not rarity, is what actually governs collector value.” Hence, Larry’s and Bert’s Red-Book guide adding 10% for Octagon barrels, 15% for half octagon barrels and 20% for take down barrels over round barrels with full or half magazines, while noting that special order options result in premiums as well.
James
Thanks for the reply James. I forgot that information was in another post. I’m looking at two rifles and can only afford one right now and they are different configurations and options but same year, same condition, and same caliber. Appreciate the info.
AG
AG said
Regarding 1894 rifles (1899-1920), with all other details the same, anyone care to comment if one of the options below are valued $ higher than the other. Collectors seem to like octagon barrels but round barrel was roughly only 1 in 4 . Collectors, or at least buyers, seem to like crescent butt but shotgun was an option so does this bring more value. I have no ideal on takedown 1/2 mag or full mag value.Octagon barrel vrs round barrel.
1/2 mag takedown vrs full mag takedown.
Shot gun butt vrs crescent butt.AG
Octagon
Full magazine
Crescent butt plate
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
Octagon
Full magazine
Crescent butt plate
Bert
This is true. The only remaining question is, “Why?”
And my answer is, . . . wait for it . . . . . “Because!”
I don’t know where I read it, but decades ago there was an article about “The Winchester Man.” It said something to the effect that nothing had changed, and that which appeals to us now, likewise appealed to folks back then.
Round, button, shotgun butt? Come on guys. Okay, so it’s in the eye of the beholder. I get it.
Not. 
Huck Riley said
This is true. The only remaining question is, “Why?”
And my answer is, . . . wait for it . . . . . “Because!”
I don’t know where I read it, but decades ago there was an article about “The Winchester Man.” It said something to the effect that nothing had changed, and that which appeals to us now, likewise appealed to folks back then.
Round, button, shotgun butt? Come on guys. Okay, so it’s in the eye of the beholder. I get it.
Not.
I can’t explain it either. But there is no doubt that octagon, full mag and crescent butt will bring a premium. Round with a half mag is more balanced for a shooter. Much lighter front end.
Thanks Bert, Chuck & Huck. Good info. One rifle is round barrel, crescent butt & full mag takedown. The other is octagon, 1/2 mag takedown with shotgun butt. Leaning toward the round barrel.
AG
Does a factory letter bring anymore value ?, other than the cost of the letter. I know it may help the sale.
AG
If the factory letter and the gun in question match, then Yes, the factory letter will help bump the value up a small amount. If the letter and gun do not match, then as Desi used to say…. “Lucy, you got some splainin to do!”
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Big Larry said
The 38-55’s usually come into play on M1894’s. Big Larry
Antique and 38-55 are also premiums. So antique, 38-55, octagon, full mag and crescent butt. Take down is also nice as is set trigger and sights. But with all that said, buy what you like in the best shape you can afford. That is the most important for a collector.
Chuck said
Antique and 38-55 are also premiums. So antique, 38-55, octagon, full mag and crescent butt. Take down is also nice as is set trigger and sights. But with all that said, buy what you like in the best shape you can afford. That is the most important for a collector.
Hey Chuck I have a m1894 in 38-55(1895 DOM) full mag, takedown, crescent butt, & octagon barrel. I guess that’s why I paid more for it than any of my others.
AG
Sounds like a nice one AG. Mine is not a take down but the rest is the same. Shipped 12/31/1898.
Chuck said
Shipped 12/31/1898.
That date is nearly worth its weight in gold!
For what it’worth; I have ’94 ser. #350904, with factory lettet . It is 26″ r.b.- f.m.- cres. butt in 38-55, shipped June 3rd 1907. It is in exc. original cond. with app. 95% of the orig. finish. For comparison I want $3,500.00 cdn which translates to about $2,300.00U.S. I would rather pay an extra 20 -25% for an oct. bbl. in the same cond. I have mod. 92 ser#235181 24″ oct. bbl. – f.m. – cres. butt. , in 25-20 in close to same cond. and finish, I want $4,500.oo Cdn. or $3,000.00. Just My personal preference.
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
Ouch! This one’s in the wrong configuration!
Round barrel, button magazine, shotgun butt. The three less desirable features.
I bought this one to shoot and for deer. Maybe these are undesirable features, but, in this combination you don’t exactly see this every day…and it handles well.
I’m just about to pull the trigger(pardon the pun) on a m1894 DOM 1903 full mag takedown with 90% bluing, crescent butt, but a round barrel. $2500. Just wish it was octagon but 3 out of 4 ain’t bad.
AG
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