I’m working on a trade for a 99+% Model 1895 Carbine, Serial # 400XXX made in 1917 in .30-40 caliber. The gun is absolutely pristine and has probably never been shot. The bore is perfect, It has been in a private collection for over 30 years and I am working on a trade for guns valued at $5.000. The carbine has a 22 inch barrel, an upper handguard and military style “ladder” rear sight and saddle ring. There are no military marks on the gun. Would appreciate thoughts on collectability for 1895s and any estimate of value. The Blue Book only goes up to 80% and I saw a similar rifle (not a carbine) at the Baltimore show last year for $9500. Unfortunately, I do not have any photos.
Thanks in advance for any comments.
If it truly in 99% condition, it could easily be worth well North of $5K. I have it listed at $6,400 in The Red Book of Winchester Values, 4th edition. The Model 1895 does have a devoted following among the people who collect them.
Bert
WACA 6571L, Historian & Board of Director Member
Bert,
Thanks for the response on the 1895 Carbine. It’s one of those deals where I have something he wants and it’s a really nice piece. It truly is 99%+ with nice wood and the cleaning kit in the butt stock. When I close the trade, I’ll post some photos.
Thanks again.
Regards,
Mike
Mike,
I have seen quite a few mint 1895 carbines in the 400k-402k serial number range. In fact, one sold today at the Amoskeag auction and there are two more for sale in the upcoming RIA auction, although one of them has a water damaged butt plate and stock. I found one for my collection at the Big Reno show a couple of years ago.
I have been told by fellow collectors that there was a crate or two of them discovered in the past and they were sold to collectors years ago. I’ve never been able to confirm that story, but it fits considering that all of them I have found are in such a narrow serial number range.
I have seen about a dozen of these mint carbines come up for sale over the years and they tend to sell around $6-8,000 for examples in superior condition, like the one you describe. Some of them have some minor condition issues that appear to be storage related and sell for a little less. The one that sold today had a small blemish in the bluing on the side of the receiver and sold for a hammer price of $4,000.
The best examples of these carbines are about as close as you can get to buying a 100 year old brand new Winchester. Good luck with your trade.
Bert, Mark and Tony,
Thanks for the feedback. I did some research via Invaluable where I found several Model 1895 Carbines recorded. I sorted them to eliminate ones that were of mediocre condition and eliminated all but seven in the 98+ range, Two did not sell (One was a .30-06), leaving six that did including another 30-06 “Special Order that went for $8050. Hammer prices for the five 30-40’s ranged from $3500 to $7475 (I excluded the Special Order 30-06 @ $8050) averaging $5162, Essentially, it looks like this will be a fair trade.
Interesting story about the crate of 1895’s!
Thanks for your help in this matter. I really appreciate it. Photos to follow later next week.
Regards,
Mike
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