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I am interested in any observations, thoughts or comments others may have regarding a deluxe Model 53 Merz has recently advertised for sale. The gun was on the cover of the Fall 2010 Collector which has photos and comments about the gun from David Bichrest who believes the gun is completely factory. Thanks.
The rifle sold at RIA auction in December. It does have a replacement barrel. https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/78/3627/special-order-deluxe-factory-engraved-winchester-model-53-rifle
Leroy took a hit on it too, advertised for $11500, sold for $7475, but that hurt him
Tony. R said
Leroy took a hit on it too, advertised for $11500, sold for $7475, but that hurt him
Leroy bought it from RIA for $7,475, and has it relisted for $11,500… he has not lost anything on it… yet.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Burt Humphrey said
I am interested in any observations, thoughts or comments others may have regarding a deluxe Model 53 Merz has recently advertised for sale. The gun was on the cover of the Fall 2010 Collector which has photos and comments about the gun from David Bichrest who believes the gun is completely factory. Thanks.
I do not believe that the checkering/carving on the butt is correct. The forend stock is the classic H-pattern, and the butt stock was H-pattern but has been “helped” with added work.
The barrel being drilled & tapped for scope blocks is unlikely to be factory original work, and the steel butt plate is odd for a factory “deluxe” Winchester. I would have expected it to have a black hard rubber BP.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
I do not believe that the checkering/carving on the butt is correct. The forend stock is the classic H-pattern, and the butt stock was H-pattern but has been “helped” with added work.
The barrel being drilled & tapped for scope blocks is unlikely to be factory original work, and the steel butt plate is odd for a factory “deluxe” Winchester. I would have expected it to have a black hard rubber BP.
Bert
Thank you for your observations – you have echoed most of my concerns and I assure you that your opinion is highly respected at my house. My initial thought was this is a really nice gun that at some point someone tried to make even nicer. I decided a long time ago that I would not own guns that I have to explain why I think some feature is factory or just plain make excuses for – I have been there and don’t like it. I always preach original and correct as the fundamental principle of a collectible Winchester. Accordingly, Leroy Merz will just have to sell it to someone else. I have never owned a deluxe 53 and so even though I am no longer pursuing additions to my collection, this one caught my eye and if confident it was right I would be trying to buy it.
I have a Deluxe 53, not as elaborate as this one, It is pistol grip with ‘I’ style checkering. It has plastic grip cap and standard steel model 53 style buttplate. I also have Deluxe 55 that has fancy wood and ‘H’ checkering. It also has the serrated steel buttplate.
Dana
dane62 said
I have a Deluxe 53, not as elaborate as this one, It is pistol grip with ‘I’ style checkering. It has plastic grip cap and standard steel model 53 style buttplate. I also have Deluxe 55 that has fancy wood and ‘H’ checkering. It also has the serrated steel buttplate.
Dana
Dana – do you have any photos of your 53 and 55 you could share with us – they are both rare guns for sure. As noted before, I have never owned a checkered 53 and have only seen one with H style checkering until this engraved one we are discussing. I passed on it years ago because it was only about 70% – it was right as rain but just not the condition I like. I have seen a few I checkered 53’s but have not owned one. I do have a nice deluxe 55, serial #5 – photos attached.
Burt, I will try to get a picture on today of the Model 53.
Have You seen the Model 55 Deluxe, serial # 4 that is for sale on gunsinternational ?
Dana
Burt, Here is the Model 53. It is a well used northern Maine hunting gun. Not beat up, but carried for many years. I still take it hunting on good weather days. A pretty hard to find rifle and it is a 44 WCF.
dane62 said
Burt, Here is the Model 53. It is a well used northern Maine hunting gun. Not beat up, but carried for many years. I still take it hunting on good weather days. A pretty hard to find rifle and it is a 44 WCF.
Thanks for posting the photos – I have seen the Model 55, serial #4. For the condition of serial #4 it is priced pretty high for me to want consecutive serial numbers! As noted before, I do not have a checkered 53 but I am lucky enough to own a high condition standard grade 53 in 44 WCF, takedown. Clean, original 53’s with condition have been hard to find for a long time – most don’t realize it until they try to add one to their collection. I recently sold a really nice one to a WACA member and I am sure he was glad to tuck it away – photo attached.
Hello Burt. You are absolutely, “positutly” (sp, ha!) correct regarding the Model 53. It is a great Model that seems to have gone overlooked?
I am more than happy with the awesome 53 from your incredible collection/stable and it and your SRC are the centerpieces of my fledgling/startup collection.
I believe Kurt D. stated that only a little over 600 total Model 53 TD 44 WCFs were produced based on his research.
Hope you are enjoying your retirement and stay well.
Always a treat to see examples of your collection on the forum!
To me the most glaring problem is the additional checkered ares on the butt stock beyond the standard H style pattern. The orientation is totally different and the work is MUCH more coarse. The D&T on the barrel is “maybe” factory implied by the second proof stamp applied near the receiver face due to the screw interfering with the “original” mark. A few too many problem for me for $11,500.
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
twobit said
To me the most glaring problem is the additional checkered ares on the butt stock beyond the standard H style pattern. The orientation is totally different and the work is MUCH more coarse. The D&T on the barrel is “maybe” factory implied by the second proof stamp applied near the receiver face due to the screw interfering with the “original” mark. A few too many problem for me for $11,500.Michael
Thanks for the input – my mind was made up on passing on this gun but your post just reaffirms I made the correct decision. Burt
Burt Humphrey said
Thanks for the input – my mind was made up on passing on this gun but your post just reaffirms I made the correct decision. Burt
Burt,
Those little tingling hairs on the back of your neck were correct in sending our the “beware” signals! The engraving is most likely the real deal but the wood has definitely been “enhanced.”
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
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