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A friend asked me to advise on the value of a rifle. It’s stated to be early 1900s production, SRC Trapper in 25-35WCF and also refinished. I advised him that collector value would be very very low as the original finish is gone. I also told him I was pretty certain it is a Franken-Chester as I’ve never seen a “rifle” buttstock paired with a “carbine” forend but I’m not 100% certain that would be out of the question in terms of a special order configuration. The button mag also has me wondering. I did tell him that Winchester didn’t call them Trappers in those days as well.
At the end of the day I told him there is very little value in terms of a collectible and that it should only be purchased as an old shooter, keeping that in mind when considering how much he is willing to pay.
I think this is an old SRC that was modified with different components (buttstock and button mag) when it was disassembled for refinish. Can you folks confirm my assessment or advise on what I’m incorrect about?
Thank you
Sorry about the small pic, not sure why it came through like that.
How long is the barrel? Is there a ring on the left side of the receiver? Ideally, we would have the serial number of the rifle, but if not, the serial number range would be helpful. There is of course every probability this is a, “Franken-Chester” but exactly how much of it isn’t 100% clear.
Joseph Barrett said I also told him I was pretty certain it is a Franken-Chester as I’ve never seen a “rifle” buttstock paired with a “carbine” forend but I’m not 100% certain that would be out of the question in terms of a special order configuration.
It’s not out of the question as a special order, but highly unlikely considering the refinishing & checkering.
Tedk said
That looks like an early 2000’s production gun
Information about the serial number would help a lot.
The front sight doesn’t look kosher so I’m thinking it’s been cut and redone
Also looks like wrench marks on the barrel
sb said
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/968704839
This helps a lot. Looks like a total Frankenchester to me.
The gunbroker link comes up as, “sold” – I wonder if his friend bought it?
sb said
The front sight doesn’t look kosher so I’m thinking it’s been cut and redoneAlso looks like wrench marks on the barrel
Hard to believe anybody doing this kind of work wouldn’t own a brl vise, but that appears to be the case. Solder lines around front sight stud clearly visible. And someone paid almost 3 Gs for this?
Thank you gentlemen for the comments and to you SB for finding it on GB. I didn’t realize it was on GB and only had the pic I shared for reference.
Seeing those pics, the serial number seems right for the claimed year of manufacture. I don’t think my friend bought it, he would have let me know.
Ill bet that first bid was the starting bid or maybe a shill bid. Wouldn’t be surprised to see it re-listed.
Our dating resource agrees on the 1921 DOM.
Kind of a nice looking rifle for what it is with the exception of the skid marks on the barrel.
Joseph Barrett said Seems very much like a pieced together rifle to me.
“Remanufactured” might be a better description. If it was a shill bid, the seller outsmarted himself. So when it’s relisted, he’ll have to make the “deadbeat buyer” excuse.
clarence said
Joseph Barrett said Seems very much like a pieced together rifle to me.
“Remanufactured” might be a better description. If it was a shill bid, the seller outsmarted himself. So when it’s relisted, he’ll have to make the “deadbeat buyer” excuse.
Yessir, indeed. Actually looks pretty nice for the most part.
It is an appealing configuration and chambering. From a distance, the carbine/rifle looks fine. It’s when you get closer that the real problems start.
There is absolutely nothing about that SRC that is still factory original. It is a totally “remanufactured” piece, and not worth even 25% of the price it allegedly sold for.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Well gents, he did in fact buy it. But he knew full well it doesn’t retain much value as a collector. He wanted a nice old shooter and likes them shiney and new looking even if not original. Sounds like he’s happy with it for his purposes.
Thanks again for the input everyone
Joseph Barrett said
He wanted a nice old shooter and likes them shiney and new looking even if not original.
Keeps Doug Turnbull in business. And even fraudsters as incompetent as the one who concocted this transfreak. A very nice original Winchester could have been bought for the same dough.
clarence said
Joseph Barrett said
He wanted a nice old shooter and likes them shiney and new looking even if not original.
Keeps Doug Turnbull in business. And even fraudsters as incompetent as the one who concocted this transfreak. A very nice original Winchester could have been bought for the same dough.
But it wouldn’t be as shiny. Each to his own.
clarence said
Joseph Barrett said
He wanted a nice old shooter and likes them shiney and new looking even if not original.
Keeps Doug Turnbull in business. And even fraudsters as incompetent as the one who concocted this transfreak. A very nice original Winchester could have been bought for the same dough.
That’s true, the same money could have bought something quite nice.
But I seriously doubt that rifle is a product of Doug’s shop. I have a ’99 Win ’86 Takedown made by Miroku that I put through his shop and I can assure you he has the correct tooling for removing a barrel. ? I’m very happy with the work they did ?
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