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We have 2 long time Indian Reservations where I live. I have bought vintage family guns, knives, jewelry, and tools off the reservations. When I sell one of the items I tell the purchaser where the item came from. Just to pass on what history I have of the item. Historically Indian used items have always been of interest to collectors.
I’m not the advanced collector many of the members are. But for me, not even ascending here to “buy the gun, not the story”. I’m with the several that seem essentially to be saying, a ‘ho hum’ story itself. More like a wine commercial… “From the sun drenched vineyards with just the correct balance of sun, moisture and shadows… to nurse the cabernet and Bordeaux grapes… Great for making me thirsty, but for buying a ‘vintage’ gun as excusing its condition… More than a tinge of BS. Other hand, is that price really so out of line with the photos and apparent function? That question for you experts, of which I’m not. Don’t need to ask whether the statements surrounding this rifle sale are true, much less documentation! Stuck firmly in “so what?”
Just my take!
John
iskra said
Stuck firmly in “so what?”
Exactly! Like all the guns claimed to have extra value merely because they were formerly owned by peace-officers of some kind, who never distinguished themselves in the slightest degree, merely led the humdrum careers common to most. An unknown Indian who did what?
Well, I’m not retelling the story because I think the gun has added value. I think what I paid is not too bad for a functioning and original SRC in 25-35. The story’s interesting. I’m not trying to sell it. I bought it for me.
WACA #11669
NRA Distinguished Life Member
Online
win1894 said
I bought it for me.
That is the best reason to buy something, because you like it. We’re just saying to beware of stories and don’t let them fog your good sense.
I get it buying something you like, but, within reason, it should make financial sense and not be a total wreck of a gun. As the older folks dwindle and as there are far less younger folks to fill their shoes, firearms with condition will really be only the way to go. Less competition for the really good stuff, in future, plus the investor collector who knows very little about what he collects, other than it must have condition and features (nevermind that it might be faked or improved).
Indian usage usually means some decoration or marking indication — not always. I didn’t clarify my response. Clearly it has seen hard use and little care, that does coincide with the story but what I meant to imply is that without documentation it will be a hard sell on that criteria. Sorry for the mistake.
B
Well, I looked carefully on the side of the receiver and found this mark. Looks like NP with a roof. Can’t speculate what that means, but somebody put it there for a reason! Sorry about the orientation, looks straight on my computer!
WACA #11669
NRA Distinguished Life Member
According to the story, it came from the Navaho Indian reservation. Guess it is a ranch if he was protecting livestock.
WACA #11669
NRA Distinguished Life Member
In the past, I spent a considerable amount of time on the Navajo reservation in southern Utah and northern Arizona. My dad bought a few guns from members of the Navajo Nation near The Gap trading post. These were in very rough condition, but as a kid, I thought they were wonderful. Still have a couple, both 1892 carbines. One in .25-20 and another in .44-40. Dad paid $15.00 for one and $25.00 for the other.
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