So I’ve owned 4 model 94 commemoratives for 25+ years, they are still new in the boxes. I take them out and wipe them once in a while. They are stored in a climate controlled environment. My question is are they worth more as a set, or does it really matter?
2 legendary lawmen serial 1&2
2 wells fargo serial 1&2
Patrick Hush said
Thank you Bert,It’s just hard to place a value on the sets, as I’ve not seen sequential matched sets for sale anywhere. I know they made like 20K of each edition, so guessing it does not add that much value.
Patrick,
The fact that your sets are serial numbers 1 & 2 will add significant value to them as compared to say a set with serial numbers 1001 & 1002. However, and as you have discovered, they do not come up for sale but once in a great while. There simply is no way to accurately predict what a collector might be willing to pay for the very first pair made.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
I had a few commemoratives but have sold them all off except for one, the Legendary Lawman 16” trapper. Being a lawman myself I had to keep this one. It is a really nice commemorative and not as tacky as most of them. There is a member here that had a complete collection of commemoratives at one point I think.
In the 1994 Fall edition of the Waca magazine Glen Ridderbush states that the 19,999 Legendary Lawman 16” trappers were the first true production of 16” 30-30s since 1934.
Serials 1 & 2 out of a production of 19,999 are pretty unique. I would expect them to sell much higher than any other serial numbers. Any pictures?
Chris
A man can never have too many WINCHESTERS...
Bert H. said
Patrick Hush said
Thank you Bert,
It’s just hard to place a value on the sets, as I’ve not seen sequential matched sets for sale anywhere. I know they made like 20K of each edition, so guessing it does not add that much value.
Patrick,
The fact that your sets are serial numbers 1 & 2 will add significant value to them as compared to say a set with serial numbers 1001 & 1002. However, and as you have discovered, they do not come up for sale but once in a great while. There simply is no way to accurately predict what a collector might be willing to pay for the very first pair made.
Bert
I will most likely keep them and pass them down to my son when I keel over.
What has driven the value of old Winchesters is the mortality of usage. Lost, stolen, broken, burned up, thrown in a river, carried on a smelly horse, or worked on by Buibba has made many of little value to collectors. Not so with commemoratives, every one else has one new in the box and will keep it there. The fact they are modern, can be made at any time, and the the value has not kept up with inflation caps value. T/R
For what it’s worth; I did have 1 complete set of Winchester Commemoratives and only ever displayed them once in Woodstock Ontario,plus I had several hundred more. I sold 450 of them to one fella. In answer to Your question, “My opinion” only, yes consequtive numbers are worth a premium of app. 25-30% and being ser#1 &2 it wouldn’t surprise Me if You got 200-300% over regular price of an individual gun. The Wells fargo and the Lawman are both nice pieces to have. We talk about them being “modern” guns, but where else does one find a brand new unfired, in the box , 45 year old Winchester with out having to give up the 1st newborn. Some of the commemoratives were gaudy looking, but some of them were very handsome and well put together. You have 4 unique and very desireable Winchesters there. If I was still in the commemoratives I would be all over You like white on rice, trying to buy them. I’m sure You will have no difficulty in finding a buyer, If You decide to part with them.
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
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