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November 7, 2015
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Fondled a pretty rough (30%) third model 1873 Musket in 44WCF yesterday. It had obviously spent a lot of time across a saddle as the fore end wood was pretty rough and worn next to the barrel. Almost no finish remained and the metal surfaces were badly pitted in spots. Butt stock was badly worn but intact. Funny thing is the bore was lightly pitted but pretty decent. I could follow the edges of each land with only minor gaps near the chamber. Mechanically it seemed quite good. Sights appeared to be intact and correct but rear sight has suffered a bit from rough handling. Butt plate shows signs of possible parade or other military use but no cartouches or other markings evident. Overall the gun appears to be correct and complete. No serial number or pics at this time. DOM 1879 IIRC.
My question is are muskets generally found in this condition or is this a below-average specimen? Price is too high @ $1800 but they may take less as time goes by and I don’t want to buy a gun in this condition. I must admit, it would be a fun shooter and an interesting wallhanger.
One online seller has a few Muskets in much nicer condition for about 3 times the price. It seems that many 73 muskets have survived in very good condition. I have one that is better then the one you describe but still lacks any finish and I recently traded about 22 hundred dollars worth of stuff for it. It did have the correct bayonet with it. That adds about 250 to the price.
THIS ALL STARTED WITH JUST ONE GUN!
Definitely below average condition. Guns in that condition are generally what I look for, because I like to restoration projects. 1800 sounds high. What does Redbook say values are? I haven’t bought a copy yet. Waiting to see how much $$$$ the model 69 book will be.
Vince
Southern Oregon
NRA member
Fraternal Order of Eagles
“There is but one answer to be made to the dynamite bomb and that can best be made by the Winchester rifle.”
Teddy Roosevelt
November 7, 2015
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Red Book price for a 30% specimen is about $1200 but I’d go a bit higher in consideration of the good mechanical and bore condition along with the overall original condition of the musket. Moot point because I’m pretty sure they have more than that in it. I don’t have much feeling for prices so the Red Book is a necessary crutch for me, I even keep an extra copy in my truck for quick reference. Has paid for itself many times over. May need another copy for my car as my work travels take me close to a couple of very interesting gun shops.
Its definitely at the lower end of the condition range and muskets are the hardest model to sell and there are plenty of the near mint ones out there for the collectors so the $1200 is what its worth.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
I have ’73 musket in a little better condition than the one you describe. It too, has a very good bore. It’s one of my favorite rifles to shoot and I throw it in when I take friends and family out shooting. It’s always a big hit with those who haven’t shot vintage guns.
I have an extra bayonet that I don’t have a need for. If you end up with it, I can set you up with a bayonet on the cheap.
Recently traded my near to mint 1903 vintage Musket, bayonet and cleaning rod for a super nice 1916 vintage M1894 oct. rifle in 38-55 with a minty bore and most all of its bluing left. Redbook says I made a great deal on this trade. I paid $4,000 for the musket several years ago. Big Larry
November 7, 2015
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That trade illustrates why Bert et al have advised me to stick with the higher grade guns, Big Larry. I still find the well-worn specimens interesting but I’m learning to enjoy them as eye candy and learning opportunities, not prospective purchases.
Slightly off topic but I have a third model ’73 musket with a bayonet lug on the front band. I was told these are a quite scarce variation. Question: how hard would it be to find a bayonet to fit? I think they may be called sabre bayonets.
Yes, that is the Saber bayonet lug which is on the right side of the band and the musket will probably letter with it. The saber was carried in a leather frog on the your belt. The saber also has a leather sheath. They have been sold on Ebay for years and at their peek they were getting $1000 for them but now they are around $600. You have to look very closely at them since the same style bayonet was used on many different models of guns so you can buy one that does not fit your gun. They made them for the 76 musket and the only difference is the diameter of the ring is bigger but it will slide on the 73. I have a musket and a carbine with one on. I think I have an extra saber.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
Here is a pictures of the three I have.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
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