antler1 said
It is obviously on somebody's table at a gun show so just tell us their price on the tag.
  

$5250.

In today’s market I value it at $3750 +/-, possibly 4k.

mrcvs said

Barryf448 said
I think your assessment of today’s market is fair. The very top-end collectors are chasing exceptional originality and condition, while budget buyers are simply looking for an affordable shooter. This rifle falls somewhere in between.
That said, I wouldn’t discount its desirability. A .38-55 with a half-octagon barrel, takedown, button magazine, tang sight, globe front sight, and possible 1X wood is a very appealing configuration. Those features aren’t common together.
While the condition keeps it from being a premier collector piece, the configuration adds value that shouldn’t be overlooked. A Cody letter could also strengthen its appeal if it confirms those features.
If I were pricing it in today’s market, I’d expect it to bring around $4,500 to $5,500, with the higher end depending on originality, bore condition, and whether the wood and finish prove to be factory original. I think the rifle will appeal more to someone who appreciates uncommon configurations than to a condition-driven collector
  

I think the wood may have been refinished, maybe awhile ago.  Maybe not…
Bluing is original.
  

Ian,

I'm in agreement with you on the wood, but like Barry said in that configuration and a nice representation, his numbers are right there in the approximate ballpark also. I would still classify it as a good honest gun. 

Tony

Barryf448 said
I think your assessment of today’s market is fair. The very top-end collectors are chasing exceptional originality and condition, while budget buyers are simply looking for an affordable shooter. This rifle falls somewhere in between.
That said, I wouldn’t discount its desirability. A .38-55 with a half-octagon barrel, takedown, button magazine, tang sight, globe front sight, and possible 1X wood is a very appealing configuration. Those features aren’t common together.
While the condition keeps it from being a premier collector piece, the configuration adds value that shouldn’t be overlooked. A Cody letter could also strengthen its appeal if it confirms those features.
If I were pricing it in today’s market, I’d expect it to bring around $4,500 to $5,500, with the higher end depending on originality, bore condition, and whether the wood and finish prove to be factory original. I think the rifle will appeal more to someone who appreciates uncommon configurations than to a condition-driven collector
  

I think the wood may have been refinished, maybe awhile ago.  Maybe not…

Bluing is original.

That said, I wouldn’t discount its desirability. A .38-55 with a half-octagon barrel, takedown, button magazine, tang sight, globe front sight, and possible 1X wood is a very appealing configuration. Those features aren’t common together.

While the condition keeps it from being a premier collector piece, the configuration adds value that shouldn’t be overlooked. A Cody letter could also strengthen its appeal if it confirms those features.

If I were pricing it in today’s market, I’d expect it to bring around $4,500 to $5,500, with the higher end depending on originality, bore condition, and whether the wood and finish prove to be factory original. I think the rifle will appeal more to someone who appreciates uncommon configurations than to a condition-driven collector

With the fine points that you brought up on this, as you said lower condition, yet harder to find configuration rifle. I would venture to say that on the Gun Broker auction site where it could possibly command the most $$$, it could fetch up near the $5-6,000.00 range, as it looks like it has a lot of good honest things going foe it. IMO!

On let's say Guns International, maybe not so much, as the auction frenzy of Gun Broker seems to be self implied on many occasions!

Ten people, and ten different thoughts and opinions!

Thanks for sharing!

Tony

This is the segment of the market that has really faltered, and, unfortunately, will likely continue to do dis.

What it has going for it:  .38-55, 1/2 octagon barrel, button magazine, takedown, tang sight and globe front sight, possible 1x wood, and some condition.

What it lacks:  Condition those collecting this desire, not antique (1900), no factory letter (but thus could be easily rectified—just order it).

Given the dichotomy in today’s market, this being not at either end of the spectrum, what would you value it in today’s market?

Bert H. said
based on the pictures, the barrel bands were chromed after the fact (aftermarket work).  Additionally, the rest of the gun has been polished and refinished.  If you are looking for a "shooter" it would be worth chasing.  It is not a collector grade gun.
Bert
  

Hello Bert,

thank you for your reply. 

it’s exactly what I thought but since a few special orders did/could exist I thought it was worth asking. 

I actually already have a perfect example of a 44mag SRC (without the plating) so won’t be pursuing but I’m sure it would shoot great and the price isn’t too bad if used as a hunting gun. 

Alex

Bert

I'm in agreement with you as far as being a decent representative and that the refinished was made very clear in the listing, as LSB, is very well respected and do a great job with they're write ups and pictures! IMO!

I also agree with the $2,500.00, as far as being an estimated approximate value for this one.

Tony 

There were 4 serious bidders.

The refinish issue was known it wasn’t hidden or disguised.

If you wanted a legit trapper this was an opportunity—although there were some shortcomings.

You don’t see these available often

It was probably a $2500 value but::::

a fairly high demand

and an obviously short supply……..not a surprising outcome to me.

I’ll have to keep looking.   PH

Stumbled upon a listing for Winchester 94 in 44mag that has a chrome receiver and chromed barrel bands. 

Barrel is regular blued. 

Has M serial (which fits the 1968-172 first production 44s): 3330996M

Doesn't have the correct metal butt plate but I'm guessing someone changed it out for a gel insert as the 44 hits a bit in this light rifle. 

Does anyone have any idea what this is ? Would/could this be factory ?

Thanks

https://hs-arms.de/Winchester-Model-1894-44-Rem-Mag