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I’ve been a collector of the unusual and special order Winchesters amongst other brands of firearms since 1959. Condition became the last thing I thought about when collecting. That being said, I realize most WACA members that I’ve known disagreed with me. The reason I would choose the unusual rather than condition was the fact that I’ve known some of the best Antique Restorers in the world. I’ve seen firearms with virtually no condition, with both mechanical and finish gone, brought back to look as though they never saw the light of day, much less were used. I know all the “Experts” will say they can tell. My reply to them usually is “Of course you can”. New Collectors please take note, the nemisis of condition is “OXIDATION” (TIME). So IMHO, if a firearm that’s 100 to 150 plus years old has the condition as though it almost just left the factory, it probably did, just not the manufacturers factory.
apache ( ya ta hey )
I’ve been been giving more thought to the, “condition vs. special features” topic. The reflection I had is that 100% of Winchesters were, at one time, in 100% condition.
If anyone has been doing this for a very long time and has held thousands of guns in their hands you should be able to tell a restored gun “more often than not”. But, it can be hard sometimes especially if the work was done a long time ago. A well skilled restorer has figured out how to build the parts correctly and has a finishing process that is as good as the factory. Once aged back these can be very hard for the newer collectors to spot easily. When I was picking for a well know Winchester dealer that had guns restored I frequently found guns that I was not 100% positive so I made him look at the gun so he could make up his mind or make up his story. It’s hard if not impossible to get the patina way down in the blued finish that a 100 year old gun will have. All guns will have some patina if you really look at them.
I prefer guns that have some patina because these guns tell the story. Special features are always a plus. I don’t buy ugly guns even with special features.
Here’s an interesting example of low end condition but mostly original. The buttstock has been swapped out but as the seller speculates, it may have occurred during an R&R. I’m a bit skeptical on that point as the buttstock and forearm are quite mismatched, but who knows. The wood is serviceable, the rifle hasn’t been reblued or drilled and tapped. The rifle has seen a lot of honest use, yet it hasn’t been abused. To me, it looks like it was hunted with every day since the day it left the factory. The stories it could tell are surely amazing. The chambering and configuration, while not rare, are desirable to many. This rifle also could have been an example in a previous thread where we discussed preferences for brown vs. white guns. This rifle prompts me to answer brown rather than white.
Opinions/reactions? Too worn to own?
I hate the fact that it has a broken take down lever. Trying to find a replacement won’t be easy.
Otherwise looks like a honest gun, but I’d be hesitant to put my money in it. Probably save it for another in better condition or just buy a different model.
But I’m sure it’ll find a nice home with someone.
Sincerely,
Maverick
WACA #8783 - Checkout my Reloading Tool Survey!
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-research-surveys/winchester-reloading-tool-survey/
steve004 said
This rifle prompts me to answer brown rather than white.
I’ll take the white, but chacun a son gout. But maybe the steel plate was installed because the rubber pad collapsed or deteriorated.
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