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Top gun is coming up for auction. The description is: rare Win. 1894, 38-55, built in 1897; BB premium , oct barrel; perfect bluing on metal and perfect wood. All original; 98% condition. My main question is, what is BB premium? please feel free to comment on any aspects. Thanks, Greg #64822
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Greg Bates said
Top gun is coming up for auction. The description is: rare Win. 1894, 38-55, built in 1897; BB premium , oct barrel; perfect bluing on metal and perfect wood. All original; 98% condition. My main question is, what is BB premium? please feel free to comment on any aspects. Thanks, Greg #64822
I should have added the S/N 121029
Hello Greg,
The first piece of information needed is the serial number on that rifle. The odds are very good that that advertised “1897” production date is not accurate.
The “BB” is in reference to the “Blue Book” of gun values. Firearms manufactured prior to January 1st, 1899 are by Federal regulation considered “Antique”, and not subject to the same sales & transfer requirements as modern firearms. Consequently, there is a premium added to the value of Antique firearms.
The one picture you posted does not contain enough detail to accurately assess the originality and graded condition of that rifle. Can you post several close-up pictures of both sides of the receiver frame, and the factory markings on the barrel and the upper tang?
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Your gun was manufactured in 1901. So it is not antique. Looking at the picture the finish is not perfect. Need more close up pictures to really tell. Is it the picture or does it have something attached to the left side of the receiver?
Gregory Bates said
Greg Bates said
Top gun is coming up for auction. The description is: rare Win. 1894, 38-55, built in 1897; BB premium , oct barrel; perfect bluing on metal and perfect wood. All original; 98% condition. My main question is, what is BB premium? please feel free to comment on any aspects. Thanks, Greg #64822
I should have added the S/N 121029
Greg,
You added this information while I was typing out my first reply.
As I suspected, the advertised date of manufacture is not correct. Model 1894 S/N 121029 was actually manufactured in August 1901.
I forgot to mention that it appears to have an unknown type of receiver peep sight mounted to the left side of the receiver frame… we really need to see the left-hand side of the receiver.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Its the only picture on their website. I cant get more pics until the auction and by then probably too late. I’ve been to several of their auctions and they commonly overstate condition. I need to get it in my hands and have the knowledge and a keen eye. Thats why I’m a member and this organization has been very helpful in gaining knowledge. ( I still have alot to learn).
Gregory Bates said
Its the only picture on their website. I cant get more pics until the auction and by then probably too late. I’ve been to several of their auctions and they commonly overstate condition. I need to get it in my hands and have the knowledge and a keen eye. Thats why I’m a member and this organization has been very helpful in gaining knowledge. ( I still have alot to learn).
From what I can see of it when I enlarged the picture, it most certainly is not a “98%” condition gun. Further, the peep sight mounted to the left side of the receiver frame is highly unlikely to be factory original which means somebody drilled & tapped extra holes in the receiver frame. Accordingly, it is not a “collector” grade rifle.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
I’m not surprised. Kinda why I titled it “Rare 1894 38-55 ? ” I just didnt know what BB premium was and now I do. Thanks much
If you are still interested call the Auction House and have them get the gun. Then have a conversation with them. If this gun has an added peep sight it really hurts the value unless it came from the factory that way. Ask them for more pictures. If you are a member of the Cody Firearms Museum it can be researched quickly. By the way, BB is what dishonest gun dealers use, especially when trying to buy a gun. This guide is never up to date with current market conditions.
I would wager all the money in my wallet that the wood on that rife has been refinished.
That, and the holes required by the non-period receiver sight, just kills any collector value, although it might just be a fine shooter.
BRP
The wood has been sanded and refinished. I’d say top end is $700-$800 for a shooter if the bore is excellent.
Brooksy said
The wood has been sanded and refinished. I’d say top end is $700-$800 for a shooter if the bore is excellent.
I agree completely. I’ll also wager it will sell for more than that.
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