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Hi all,
I’m looking for some feedback on my friend’s rifle he has at auction at Poulins. Pictures are here: Spring 2023 Auction | Poulin’s Antiques & Auctions, Inc. (hibid.com) Here is their description:
I wouldn’t put the estimate any higher, but who knows – it’s an auction. Nickel plated carbines are not real common, so rarity factors in. On the other hand, many collectors avoid nickel plated pieces. Because of the way nickel with flake, peel and blister, it can easily appear unsightly. This carbine has some flaking but I don’t see any unsightly blistering. Detractions such gray touch-up finish on the barrel, sanding and refinishing, dents, pitting in the bore don’t help. On the plus side, the nickel finish, swivels and higher grade wood – that all letter, are definitely in the plus column. For me, the largest detraction is the barrel color touch-up.
As far as the auction estimate, I don’t think it matters much. People are going to bid what they want to bid.
steve004 said
I wouldn’t put the estimate any higher, but who knows – it’s an auction. Nickel plated carbines are not real common, so rarity factors in. On the other hand, many collectors avoid nickel plated pieces. Because of the way nickel with flake, peel and blister, it can easily appear unsightly. This carbine has some flaking but I don’t see any unsightly blistering. Detractions such gray touch-up finish on the barrel, sanding and refinishing, dents, pitting in the bore don’t help. On the plus side, the nickel finish, swivels and higher grade wood – that all letter, are definitely in the plus column. For me, the largest detraction is the barrel color touch-up.As far as the auction estimate, I don’t think it matters much. People are going to bid what they want to bid.
Thank you Steve. I very much appreciate your feedback. I’m pretty sure my friend bought the “story” more than the rifle, and I think he paid much more than the estimate. I think he was told that based on the rifle’s configuration, it could be 1 of 1. And while he has a couple dozen rifles, he – like me – doesn’t really know what he has.
As I’m sure you all can tell, I’m not a collector like most of you. I am a bit of an accumulator. By that I mean I am only now really beginning to learn and better understand what an honest, collectible Winchester is. The rifles I do have – which admittedly were bought with very little knowledge – are mostly from the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s; M54, M70, M64, M71. I do enjoy my small accumulation – very much – it’s the craftsmanship of a time gone by. I feel very lucky to have what I do have. So I really couldn’t help my friend better understand what his 1873 is and its relative value, so thank you again for your very knowledgeable insight and feedback.
And I am learning thanks to the kindness and patience of some members here such as yourself, Bert, and Lou in particular. And of course, a LOT of reading. I’m amazed and quite humbled by the knowledge of the regular posters here. I look forward to the show coming to Springfield in October to meet some members in the area and to be able to see and learn more about these very special rifles. Again, thank you.
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