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June 26, 2013
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I haven’t had a chance to take my own photos, but I purchased this 1894 from Collector’s Firearms during their black Friday 20% off sale. It knocked the purchase price down to $4,200 plus free shipping. It actually looks even better in person. The buttstock and forearm have a nice fancy grain to them–I would call 1X. Also has a perfect bore and it letters. From what I understand, the full octagon with a half magazine is a bit unusual. Think the price was reasonable?
http://archives.collectorsfirearms.com/?category=943&subcategory=977&page=7&category=&product=W9548
Don
December 31, 2012
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I bought a real nice M1894 38-55 1/2 octagon bbl with the full magazine from Collectors Firearms a couple years ago. It was old enough to letter and it came back just exactly as it is today. The bore is drippy mint and the rifle is probably better than 95%. Paid $2500 shipped for it. They are pretty easy to deal with, and the lady was from where I live now in Utah. I may be wrong but I was always told the full magazine with a 1/2 Oct. bbl. was a little scarcer than the 1/2 mag. In any event, this rifle is one of my favorites. I have ammo to shoot, but have not gotten around to it yet. I love the 38-55’s. Big bore M1894’s. Big Larry
September 22, 2011
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Are you SURE you got free shipping? I was charged shipping for something I purchased during that same sale and I called them and they stated they always charge for shipping.
June 26, 2013
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mrcvs said
Are you SURE you got free shipping? I was charged shipping for something I purchased during that same sale and I called them and they stated they always charge for shipping.
Yes–definitely got free shipping. Shipped UPS ground. Was charged only the $4,200 for the rifle. They had advertised on their website free shipping for anything over $100.
November 7, 2015
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Pretty sweet rifle, congrats.
Mike
July 8, 2012
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Don,
That’s a great looking rifle. I think you did very well on it, especially since it’s 38-55, and antique. Collectors Firearms is great to work with, I bought a Winchester from them a few years ago, and like you, I received free shipping.
Al
March 20, 2009
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Don,
I live just about 5 miles from Collector’s and would have been more than happy to pick up the rifle and hold it for you. Well I may have done a bit more than just hold it!!! Very nice rifle and the $4200 price sounds pretty reasonable.
Merry Christmas
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
September 22, 2011
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A month ago, I would have thought this to be a good price, maybe excellent. Still a decent price, but here’s my thinking. In the “Engraved 1895 Winchester” recent thread, lot 37 at the recent Rock Island Auction sold for $5463. By the time you figure in shipping and insurance, you would be a bit north of $5500. This gun is in .30-30, not antique, also has condition and has a multitude of deluxe features. I thought easily an $8000 gun. You have to ask yourself what the multitude of deluxe features is worth, what .38-55, is worth, what being antique is worth, and come up with a figure. I would think at 8k for the other one, $4200 would be a no brainer. Obviously, there is recent softening in the market.
March 20, 2009
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mrcvs said
A month ago, I would have thought this to be a good price, maybe excellent. Still a decent price, but here’s my thinking. In the “Engraved 1895 Winchester” recent thread, lot 37 at the recent Rock Island Auction sold for $5463. By the time you figure in shipping and insurance, you would be a bit north of $5500. This gun is in .30-30, not antique, also has condition and has a multitude of deluxe features. I thought easily an $8000 gun. You have to ask yourself what the multitude of deluxe features is worth, what .38-55, is worth, what being antique is worth, and come up with a figure. I would think at 8k for the other one, $4200 would be a no brainer. Obviously, there is recent softening in the market.
I will not argue about the regretful apparent “softening” of the market. But, I will say that it is impossible to compare the sale price of one gun and then use that to justify/explain/or discount the possible price/value of another one. There are just way to many variables and unknowns. And to offer just one little piece of confounding evidence I present this “gem of a little 1892″ which just sold on Gunbroker for only $510!!! And the barrel is most likely cut down 2 inches since it is listed as a 22”. That pretty much guaranties that every rifle in my collection is worth at LEAST $5000 on UP!!! 🙂
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
December 31, 2012
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mrcvs said
Are you SURE you got free shipping? I was charged shipping for something I purchased during that same sale and I called them and they stated they always charge for shipping.
The normal charge for shipping there is $40. I have bought several rifles from them and have always been charged $40 for shipping. I guess I just don’t live right. Never get any freebee’s. Big Larry
November 7, 2015
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Maybe what we’re seeing is a shortage of enthusiastic buyers in certain segments of the market. Sometimes someone gets a bargain.
Mike
June 26, 2013
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Thanks everyone for their opinions, I’m very happy with the rifle. It is a bit concerning as a collector to see the prices dropping on some pretty spectacular Winchesters lately. I’m a youngster collector at the age of 46 and I like antiques, old guns, etc. but have noticed that much of what I like and collect have gone “out of style” with the younger crowd. The antique malls and antique stores in my area are no longer there, etc. I have tailored my Winchester collection to 80%+ condition and try to focus on those with unusual/special order features as well. If I end up upside-down on a few, it’s been an enjoyable learning experience to say the least.
Don
March 31, 2009
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deerhunter said
Thanks everyone for their opinions, I’m very happy with the rifle. It is a bit concerning as a collector to see the prices dropping on some pretty spectacular Winchesters lately. I’m a youngster collector at the age of 46 and I like antiques, old guns, etc. but have noticed that much of what I like and collect have gone “out of style” with the younger crowd. The antique malls and antique stores in my area are no longer there, etc. I have tailored my Winchester collection to 80%+ condition and try to focus on those with unusual/special order features as well. If I end up upside-down on a few, it’s been an enjoyable learning experience to say the least.Don
If you are a real collector and are not concerned about resale value the dip in the market makes it possible to buy more guns. I have.
June 26, 2013
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Chuck said
If you are a real collector and are not concerned about resale value the dip in the market makes it possible to buy more guns. I have.
That’s very true. I am a dedicated collector, but at the same time I like to justify my purchases by calling it my “401K.” However, you don’t lose or make money until you sell, right? I don’t plan on selling anytime soon…or ever for that matter.
March 31, 2009
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deerhunter said
That’s very true. I am a dedicated collector, but at the same time I like to justify my purchases by calling it my “401K.” However, you don’t lose or make money until you sell, right? I don’t plan on selling anytime soon…or ever for that matter.
I think it is the other way around. You make the money when you buy it. Yes, everything else is all on paper until you sell it. I know several auction house owners who profess that collecting guns is better than a 401K. I disagree but it can be one part of your retirement plan plus it is a lot more fun. My wife and daughter have actually argued about who is going to sell my collection.
April 15, 2005
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Chuck said
I think it is the other way around. You make the money when you buy it. Yes, everything else is all on paper until you sell it. I know several auction house owners who profess that collecting guns is better than a 401K. I disagree but it can be one part of your retirement plan plus it is a lot more fun. My wife and daughter have actually argued about who is going to sell my collection.
Chuck,
I would quell that argument real fast by looking them dead in the eye, and telling them you are going to outlive both of them!
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
March 31, 2009
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Bert H. said
Chuck,
I would quell that argument real fast by looking them dead in the eye, and telling them you are going to outlive both of them!
Bert
Bert I did something similar but you’ve met them and should know they don’t pay any attention to me. Or visa versa.
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