An interesing 1873 nonetheless. 

This August auction has some very unique Winchesters. Lot 1011 I really like, a deluxe 36'' 1873. What a unicorn. How many 36'' guns in your survey Bob? 

Chris

1892takedown said
The pricing on a lot of these guns in the last couple years has gone out of sight whether middle of the road or high condition.  Ive lost interest being priced out of what I think is reasonable.  Now a days it has to be something I really selectively want to consider buying.   
  

I’m with you on that!

Bob

I don't know why it's turned, as I tried to make it as small as I could. 

Tony

What is the serial number?  Reason I ask is that 1948 was when Winchester changed from the Type II "transition" receiver with cloverleaf tang to the Type III "latter" receiver with the oval tang.  I can't quite make out which yours is...

IF it's a type III (oval tang) receiver, and you like the look/feel of the low comb (NRA style) stock, then for a hunting rifle I think I'd just watch eBay for a take-off stock with an added recoil pad.  You're likely to find one for $150 or so, and if it's already been cut for a pad you can replace the pad, glass bed the action, etc. to your hearts content without worrying about devaluing an "original" stock.   

Just my take...  It's what I did to the 1950 vintage 30-06 Standard rifle that I use on deer...  Not a great picture of the gun (scanned off a Kodachrome slide), but this is what it looks like with an average TX whitetail...

Best,

Lou

antler1 said
It is obviously on somebody's table at a gun show so just tell us their price on the tag.
  

$5250.

In today’s market I value it at $3750 +/-, possibly 4k.

mrcvs said

Barryf448 said
I think your assessment of today’s market is fair. The very top-end collectors are chasing exceptional originality and condition, while budget buyers are simply looking for an affordable shooter. This rifle falls somewhere in between.
That said, I wouldn’t discount its desirability. A .38-55 with a half-octagon barrel, takedown, button magazine, tang sight, globe front sight, and possible 1X wood is a very appealing configuration. Those features aren’t common together.
While the condition keeps it from being a premier collector piece, the configuration adds value that shouldn’t be overlooked. A Cody letter could also strengthen its appeal if it confirms those features.
If I were pricing it in today’s market, I’d expect it to bring around $4,500 to $5,500, with the higher end depending on originality, bore condition, and whether the wood and finish prove to be factory original. I think the rifle will appeal more to someone who appreciates uncommon configurations than to a condition-driven collector
  

I think the wood may have been refinished, maybe awhile ago.  Maybe not…
Bluing is original.
  

Ian,

I'm in agreement with you on the wood, but like Barry said in that configuration and a nice representation, his numbers are right there in the approximate ballpark also. I would still classify it as a good honest gun. 

Tony

Barryf448 said
I think your assessment of today’s market is fair. The very top-end collectors are chasing exceptional originality and condition, while budget buyers are simply looking for an affordable shooter. This rifle falls somewhere in between.
That said, I wouldn’t discount its desirability. A .38-55 with a half-octagon barrel, takedown, button magazine, tang sight, globe front sight, and possible 1X wood is a very appealing configuration. Those features aren’t common together.
While the condition keeps it from being a premier collector piece, the configuration adds value that shouldn’t be overlooked. A Cody letter could also strengthen its appeal if it confirms those features.
If I were pricing it in today’s market, I’d expect it to bring around $4,500 to $5,500, with the higher end depending on originality, bore condition, and whether the wood and finish prove to be factory original. I think the rifle will appeal more to someone who appreciates uncommon configurations than to a condition-driven collector
  

I think the wood may have been refinished, maybe awhile ago.  Maybe not…

Bluing is original.

That said, I wouldn’t discount its desirability. A .38-55 with a half-octagon barrel, takedown, button magazine, tang sight, globe front sight, and possible 1X wood is a very appealing configuration. Those features aren’t common together.

While the condition keeps it from being a premier collector piece, the configuration adds value that shouldn’t be overlooked. A Cody letter could also strengthen its appeal if it confirms those features.

If I were pricing it in today’s market, I’d expect it to bring around $4,500 to $5,500, with the higher end depending on originality, bore condition, and whether the wood and finish prove to be factory original. I think the rifle will appeal more to someone who appreciates uncommon configurations than to a condition-driven collector

With the fine points that you brought up on this, as you said lower condition, yet harder to find configuration rifle. I would venture to say that on the Gun Broker auction site where it could possibly command the most $$$, it could fetch up near the $5-6,000.00 range, as it looks like it has a lot of good honest things going foe it. IMO!

On let's say Guns International, maybe not so much, as the auction frenzy of Gun Broker seems to be self implied on many occasions!

Ten people, and ten different thoughts and opinions!

Thanks for sharing!

Tony

This is the segment of the market that has really faltered, and, unfortunately, will likely continue to do dis.

What it has going for it:  .38-55, 1/2 octagon barrel, button magazine, takedown, tang sight and globe front sight, possible 1x wood, and some condition.

What it lacks:  Condition those collecting this desire, not antique (1900), no factory letter (but thus could be easily rectified—just order it).

Given the dichotomy in today’s market, this being not at either end of the spectrum, what would you value it in today’s market?