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May 24, 2012
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Factory as advertised? This should prove to be an interesting topic, including where the realized price is concerned. All comments appreciated. You, too, Bert!
James
November 1, 2013
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Well, that’s a reasonable price–if you’re a narco trafficker. RIA sure didn’t have much to say about the scope–a Stevens Favorite model, main advantage of which was mounts that fit factory sight dovetails, so they were easy to mount.
July 8, 2012
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That’s in great condition, but a lot of money also. At least it doesn’t have extra holes drilled in the barrel.
April 15, 2005
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James,
The rifle certainly appears to be factory original, and in a very nice special order configuration. Based on the fact that it is a 22 Short, I have considerable doubt that it was factory equipped with the Stevens Telescope. Because it is mounted using the factory dovetail slots, I see it as a “No harm, No foul” situation, and the telescope itself is highly collectable, adding substantial value to the package. Overall, the new owner certainly paid top dollar for it, but due to the rarity of the rifle configuration, and the really nice condition, it would be hard to argue that he/she paid too much for it.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 1, 2013
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Bert H. said
…the telescope itself is highly collectable, adding substantial value to the package.
Bert
Substantial, but $500-600 is about the going rate on ebay for this length; those long enough to fit 28-30″ brls are much scarcer. Moreover, these “full-length” Favorite models were the cheapest Stevens offered. Suspect anybody specifying a “factory mounted” scope would (if they knew what they were doing) have opted for one of the better models requiring screw-mounting.
May 24, 2012
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Thanks to all who responded.
Bert,
It does appear to be factory original and in just such a special order configuration at that. Nice.
As most of us know, the popularity for these type of scopes in their heyday was great and, during this period, they were trending to shorter varieties. In addition to being of good quality and inexpensive, they would have been considered a plus in many target shooting circles, but not all, for these reasons. It is my opinion, that adults as well as kids found a great deal of pleasure in owning and shooting this type of combination.
I believe that even though the RIA reps stated the lot is a factory package, their original estimate of 8-11k does not support such a claim…not in the least – that’s the auction business, though. However, 8k would have been much closer to what the two pieces would have sold for had they been auctioned off separately. I believe that had the lot came with provenance, and had the owner wanted a reserve of 14-16k, that RIA would have consented. Which, as I see it would have opened the door to a somewhat realistic, higher sale. Just my opinion, though. Or am I all wet on these points?
Either way, like you, I believe the owner did pay top dollar for it. Some people in the market for scoped Winchesters that give the appearance of being factory done, like the buyer of this one, seem to simply prize certain ‘period’ scoped combinations, and are willing to pay prices similar to one with provenance.
Very interesting, for sure!
James
